The Queensland Maroons have named their team for Game 3 of the 2019 State of Origin series, with some big changes to the team who lost in Perth.
The big news from Kevin Walters and his selectors is the omission of Kalyn Ponga who has been forced out of the decider.
This was officially announced on Sunday, with the gun fullback picking up a calf injury and failing to turn out for the Knights in their big Round 15 NRL win over the Brisbane Broncos.
» All the State of Origin team news
The Maroons, at this stage, have only named a squad rather than a positional 17, to take the field next Wednesday, leaving it up in the air as to what they will do.
However, the most likely scenario seems to point toward a Cameron Munster move to fullback, taking Ponga’s role, while Corey Norman will come into the side in the halves, with the Dragon set to make his Origin debut.
The remainder of the backline is set to remain the same as it was in Game 2, with Dane Gagai and Corey Oates on the wing, and Will Chambers set to join Michael Morgan in the centres, although Morgan could also play either halves or fullback if Kevin Walters sees things differently leading into game day.
The Maroons have also swung two changes in their forward pack, with Joe Ofahengaue and Christian Welch named.
The former returns from an injury that ruled him out of Game 2, while the latter joins the 17 after being part of the extended squad alongside Norman in Perth but missing out on game time.
Dylan Napa, who had a quiet Game 2, and Jarrod Wallace have both been overlooked for selection.
The Maroons will stick with Ben Hunt at hooker and Moses Mbye as their bench utility as they attempt to replicate the performance that got them ahead 1-0 in the series when playing on home soil for Game 1.
The decider will be played on Wednesday, July 10 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
Will Chambers
Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
David Fifita
Dane Gagai
Matt Gillett
Tim Glasby
Ben Hunt
Felise Kaufusi
Moses Mbye
Josh McGuire
Michael Morgan
Cameron Munster
Corey Norman
Corey Oates
Joe Ofahengaue
Josh Papalii
Christian Welch
Joe
Roar Rookie
Mybe can actually play hooker. He played there for the Dogs in their GF loss to the Bunnies.
Short Memory
Guest
You might want to check your stats there. NSW have them for speed pretty much across the park.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
I don't disagree at all Joe, just that Munster is so good as a no.6 I feel it would be a disservice to put him anywhere else, especially as he is the incumbent there.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
I don't disagree at all Joe, it's just that Munster is such a strength for the Maroons at no.6 I think it would be foolish for QLD to move him from there, especially as that's been his incumbent position for the past 2 seasons.
Rellum
Roar Guru
That really doesn't seem that hard to incorporate for the odd set.
Rob
Guest
I thought Morgan would be used as a kicking option in Games 1 and 2 but it’s massively different taking the 2-3 hit up and then trying to get in position for a backline shift on the last. I actually think Morgan is playing on the wrong side of the field being a right foot kicker? Remember the pass to Feldt in the GF, remember the unders ball to Gagai and Holmes for tried. Playing Morgan outside Munster makes no sense IMO.
U
Roar Rookie
That’d be a doggedly strong selection but I think Freddy would be barking up the wrong tree if he picked Mitch
U
Roar Rookie
That is rare in today’s game
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Yeah, you could say that. But then Seibold isn't making the best team decisions anyway.
U
Roar Rookie
I agree that’s ridiculous with all these players playing out of position. It’s almost like the Wallabies. Mbye is a useless waste as a utility because he can’t play hooker or as a lock. Munster has played very well at FB for the storm. He’s the best choice for mine. Norman is capable of playing FB and halves as well as a little back row.
U
Roar Rookie
If that happens, Kevvy should fall on his sword
U
Roar Rookie
My prediction is the Blues win easily and Kevvy either resigns or rightly pushed out. Two series losses is nowhere near good enough Hunt should only be the bench utility. Again, they’re playing McGuire in the wrong position. He’s a prop. Not a lock. Chambers is error prone and a hothead. Morgan isn’t a center. Mbye is a waste as he can’t play any other position bar the halves and he’s average there. Norman is a welcome inclusion as he’s very versatile in being able to be fullback, in the halves, and probably even lock if needed. My ideal backline would be 1 Munster 2 Oates 3 Chambers 4 Gagai 5 Feldt 6 Morgan 7 DCE 14 Norman
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
THIS could be the first time then mate. In fact, I'd bet the house on it! ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Given that the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans are in the bottom 4 I understand. It's all you have left. And after game 3 you won't even have that. But take heart, it's always darkest just before the Dawn! ;-) # Blue Dawn!
KenoathCarnt
Roar Rookie
Qld will be boosted with those fowards comming in but I am in no way comfident with no changes in other positions. Munster will do a good job at full back, but they need to change no.9 and move Morgan to 6 or 7 or have him as the utility. Granville should be no.9 and have Hunt either 6 or 7 or play him as utility.
Nat
Roar Guru
He cannot tackle. His team is in poor form as is he and he's too old; Maloney would be a terrible selection! Lol. You leave Darius out of this mate, even on his worst Origin appearance, he's never pulled a Walker...
Rob
Guest
Papi, Wayne stopped coaching Queensland a long time ago. Darius won’t play for anyone else you facetious blue. This is serious stuff to us in the North.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Why can't Morgs kick from centre?
Rob
Guest
Hi Paul, I don’t agree with the selections. Feldt is a right edge winger and Oats is a left edge winger. I believe our kicking game was ordinary (pop gun)in game 2 where it was slippery and wet so Morgan can help out DCE with his bigger kicks. The Blues where catching and starting their sets on the 20 metre line after a try and in general play? Feldt will have them fighting their way of the try line from a restart and Morgan will put some pressure on Teddy and the wingers with 40/20 threat. I recall Maloney doing it game 2 to put Qld on their heels. Feldt is also big threat to the Fox in the air just like Turbo was to Ponga.
matth
Roar Guru
Well Turpin has been dropped to the bench for the Broncos so that would have been a brave brave call