By the end of Wednesday night, either New South Wales will have successfully defended their State of Origin shield, or Queensland will have regained it after their eight-year dynasty ended last year.
The Blues are unchanged from the side that won in Melbourne three weeks ago, however hooker Robbie Farah still remains in doubt after injuring his hand playing for the Wests Tigers against Penrith just over a week ago.
More 2015 State of Origin:
» State of Origin news
» State of Origin fixtures
» State of Origin teams
» State of Origin 2015: Game 3 preview
» Why NSW will win Game 3
» Why the Maroons will win Game 3
If he is not passed fit, Michael Ennis, who hasn’t played Origin since 2011, will take his place.
Meanwhile, the Maroons have made several changes as they attempt to win back the series, with Cooper Cronk and Josh Papalii coming back in, while Dane Gagai makes his debut.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh McGuire have both been omitted, while Billy Slater was ruled out due to a shoulder injury for which he has undergone season-ending surgery. This sees Greg Inglis move to fullback, Will Chambers move into the centres and Gagai on the wing.
Let’s have a look at each of the two squads:
Queensland
Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd, Will Chambers, Justin Hodges, Dane Gagai, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (c), Nate Myles, Aidan Guerra, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker.
Interchange: Michael Morgan, Josh Papalii, Matt Gillett, Jacob Lillyman.
18th man: Edrick Lee.
New South Wales
Josh Dugan, Will Hopoate, Josh Morris, Michael Jennings, Brett Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Trent Hodkinson, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, James Tamou, Beau Scott, Ryan Hoffman, Paul Gallen (c).
Interchange: Trent Merrin, Boyd Cordner, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson.
18th man: Tariq Sims. 19th man: Ryan Hinchcliffe. 20th man: Michael Ennis
Why the Maroons will win
Not only will the Maroons be desperate to reclaim the Origin crown, they will also want to win it for veteran centre Justin Hodges, playing his last game in the Origin arena.
The 35-year-old has come a long way since making his debut in Game 2 of the 2002 series, in which he produced two in-goal clangers to gift two tries to NSW, though the Maroons won 26-18.
The Maroons also have the-ground advantage and thus the crowd behind them.
Why the Blues will win
The Blues will still be brimming with confidence following their against-the-odds Game 2 victory in Melbourne, and with an unchanged line-up should fancy their chances.
They also proved that they could win in enemy territory, as they did in Game 1 last year en route to their first Origin series victory since 2005. The burning question is whether they can win their first decider in Brisbane since 2005.
The Blues need strong performances from fullback Josh Dugan, halves Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson, and captain Paul Gallen if they are to have any chance of retaining their shield.
The verdict
With the home ground advantage, Queensland start as favourites, and as they did for Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva in 2011 and 2012 respectively, the Maroons will be out to ensure that Justin Hodges departs the Origin arena a winner.
The Blues will be out to spoil those celebrations while at the same time attempt to prove that last year’s series victory was no fluke. And they’ll want to do it for their captain Paul Gallen, whose Origin future still hangs in the balance as his playing career heads into its twilight years.
Prediction
Queensland by 12 points.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Even if T Barrett was Manly coach? Doesn't matter, Manly by 12.
Dave
Guest
Blues!!! win or lose you choose
Jay C
Roar Guru
Origin is a much bigger spectacle than the GF. Would I rather watch my team win a GF, absolutely. But would I rather watch the Panthers and Manly play in a GF, no way.
Ben
Guest
How ridiculous... Origin is the second biggest spectacle in the NRL behind the grand final, and even then it's almost ahead of that. International League still has a while to go yet.
ron brennan
Guest
the qld v nsw thing imo has just about done its dash, would much prefer international focus with aus , samoa/tonga, kiwis, england, however theres something about qld thrashing nsw that still interests me lol.
Doug Graves
Guest
All good things must come to an end Gad, QLD are about to find that out the hard-way. Enjoy the game.
Gad
Guest
For a team, the majority of whom have won 2006 – 2013 = 8 in a row, the word humiliating is solely reserved for 2006-2013, 0 in 8. Do you think this Bloos team can go 9 in a row. LOL
turbodewd
Guest
Cronk returning could be scary for the Blues.... :^/
Doug Graves
Guest
QLD are done for. They got home in game 1 via NSW blunders and they where comprehensively defeated in game 2. Expect more of the same in game 3 as QLD's "Dads Army" marches off into the dust bin of history via a humiliating game three blow out. NSW 30 - QLD 16
Stan
Guest
QLD 32 - NSW 14
Brett
Guest
QLD 28 - NSW 12
Paul BMC
Guest
Predicting that qld will win by 12 is a rather bold move given the results of games 1 & 2. In game 1,an apparently second rate NSW team give up a half time lead and lose out to the much feted opposition by a mere point. NSW win game 2 by 8. NSW by 14.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
QLD 56 - 12 NSW. JT to throw a hand grenade try celebration.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Did his Achilles playing for the Broncos. His season is over unfortunately. Should be a good game. Would be great to see some good footy. Big hits, silky skills and a bit of open field play is the order of the day. It would be awesome if they referee it the same as game 2.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
QLD 30 NSW 10
Avatar
Roar Guru
Thanks for picking that up (McGuire), I didn't know because the death of Phil Walsh in the AFL had dominated my head over the last week or so. I think both sides will be desperate to win tomorrow night: Queensland to not only win back the series but also prove that they are not yet a spent force, New South Wales to prove that last year was no fluke. Should be a great match.
jd
Guest
QLD 14 - 27 NSW
Jay C
Roar Guru
Josh McGuire is injured not omitted. I am expecting an ambush from the Blues, because I think it will be Gallen's last game and I think he will announce it to the team before kickoff. Won't matter.