Game 3 of the 2014 State of Origin series kicks off at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. Despite the match being a dead rubber, both sides still have plenty to play for.
New South Wales secured their first series victory in nine years with a thrilling 6 points to 4 victory in Game 2.
The Blues will be hoping to secure their first series whitewash since the year 2000 with a victory up in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
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For the Queensland side, they will enter the match in unfamiliar territory; this will be the first time in a long time that they’ve entered the final game of the series with the result already decided.
With plenty of passion and pride still to play for, the Maroons will be determined to close out a disappointing series on a high note.
In team news, Cooper Cronk has been named to make a shock return after recovering from a broken arm sustained in Game 1. Cronk’s return will see Daly Cherry-Evans return to his utility role off the interchange.
The Maroons will be further boosted by the return of Corey Parker who will return to the line-up after missing Game 2 with a facial fracture.
Injuries have again plagued the Queensland side, as they will enter Wednesday’s match without the Cowboys pairing of Brent Tate and Matt Scott who will both miss Game 3 after sustaining injuries in the last Origin encounter.
Their injuries have seen Jacob Lillyman promoted into the starting line-up with Storm centre Will Chambers finally named to make his debut on the wing.
An ankle injury to Chris Mcqueen has also seen Dave Taylor retain his spot in the team.
For the New South Wales side, they have been forced into making three changes to their Game 2 winning line-up, with Anthony Watmough out suspended and Will Hopoate and Michael Jennings both ruled out due to injuries picked up in Game 2.
Their absence will see Josh Morris return to the side after recovering from a knee injury picked up in Game 1, with James McManus and Boyd Cordner returning to the team for their first match of the 2014 series.
Jarryd Hayne looks likely to take out the player of the series award after stirring performances in Games 1 and 2. He’ll be looking for another strong performance in Game 3 to close out a memorable series.
Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk will also be eager to produce a starring performance on his return after a frustrating stint on the sidelines watching his Queensland side surrender their Origin crown.
The Maroons will start the match as favourites and will be out to restore some Queensland pride with a victory in front of their boisterous home crowd.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of State of Origin Game 3 from 8:00pm (AEST) on Wednesday night.
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