Just as NSW have taken a battering on the injury front, Blues coach Brad Fittler concedes Queensland have named their most threatening team of the State of Origin series.
The Blues will be without pack leader Daniel Saifiti as well as dynamo halves Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary in Game 3 as the Blues attempt their first series clean sweep since 2000.
The squad will come into camp in Kingscliff on Tuesday where the Blues prepared for a series-winning 26-0 victory over Queensland.
However, they will do so without three of their strike weapons just as the Maroons have gathered some luck of their own on the injury front.
The inclusion of Kalyn Ponga at fullback as well as North Queensland speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will add spark to the back line, with Fittler admitting the Maroons look dangerous.
Kalyn Ponga of Queensland. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I can see there’s some real tactics behind Hamiso in the centres, and Kurt Capewell moves into the back row into his favourite position,” Fittler said.
“We’re not sure if David Fifita gets to play yet. I’m sure that’ll be resolved over the next day or so, but I definitely feel this is their strongest side.
“With AJ Brimson coming off the bench, he adds a lot.
“I saw what he did with the Titans on the weekend, they were awesome.
“They look much more dangerous.”
Fifita is fighting a dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night in order to line up for the Maroons next Wednesday in the dead rubber.
The location of the match is yet to be decided, although Newcastle has been considered the front-runner to land the game.
Although the Blues already have the series already wrapped up after two huge wins in Queensland, Fittler is stressing the importance of history in claiming a 3-0 result.
A win for the Blues would be the first series clean sweep for a NSW side since 2000.
“It’s a great team. We’ve lost a few players, which makes the challenge harder, but to be a great team you need to be able to do it when it doesn’t always count,” he said.
“This is the greatest challenge of our year this year.”
Joey
Guest
Caninet ? Fancy new name for Kmart wooden spoon , maybe. Got your eye on a matching pair I hear.
Nat
Roar Guru
Not giggling mate, laughing at you. All chirp and nothing to back it up with. I don't mind reminiscing, because those are facts. What do you have, a few recent wins and nothing to show for it. 15 years less in the comp, 1 spoon and 6 premierships. Come at me when your trophy caninet is more than a K Mart shelf.
Sideline Commentator
Roar Guru
You must be very young or have a poor memory. Winning the next 30 Origin matches in a row by 50 points each wouldn't be enough for me.
Joey
Guest
You are chasing #2 spoon and back-to-back at that, with 15yrs less in the comp. Not really sure what you have to giggle about, unless you already have moved to the funny farm. Keep reminiscing champ, that’s pretty much all you’ve got these days.
Short Memory
Guest
Six agains in favour of Qld so far.
Short Memory
Guest
I heard a rumour it's DCE's turn. Something about hurting his lumbar region doing a backflip on the Gold Coast...?
Muzz
Guest
This game should be a better contest but who knows what to expect with the six- again rule.
Nat
Roar Guru
- #oneinarow - 50yrs, 2 premierships (a loooooong time ago) and 4 wooden spoons. - 2020, no injuries, all games at home, every advantage in the world, flogged when it mattered. Keep struting bantem, you have earned it. :laughing: :laughing:
Joey
Guest
If, if, and hope. It’s no wonder they’re no chance.
Joey
Guest
Brimson came on in the 50th minute, game I, score was 26-6. Just 15 minutes later he’s back warming the bench, score 44-6. Wow, talk about impact. When Freddy said he adds a lot off the bench, who’d of thought he was talking about the Blues score line.
Jeannine Wallace
Roar Rookie
Fingers crossed! I live in NSW and support NSW but the first 2 games of this year's SOO were boring+. I am not saying that I want NSW to lose but a competitive game is a good game!
thomas c
Guest
Ponga might help get things off on the front foot. Hammer might he slightly less likely to be caught out on pace. But who wins is likely more a matter of cohesion and tactics. QLD were awful in attacking cohesion and - if I recall - included Brimson on the bench a couple weeks back with seemingly no plan on how to use him. The blues winning would likely be as simple as whether the halves pair gel or are woefully disjointed.
Tony
Roar Guru
Good point. I think they do it on a rotational basis.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Who is the designated Qld player with the virus/training field mishap injury for G3?
Nat
Roar Guru
Oh he's an arrogant buggar that Freddy. :silly: The boys will put in a better showing and I'll yahoo just as loud if they come good. If not, I hope next year we get to see our very best against each other and bring it back to the contest it deserves to be.
Crow
Roar Pro
Queensland have one shot at redemption. After the bashing’s of game one and two there is a little light at the end of the tunnel with team changes and a few incoming troops. Hopefully it’s not a freight train coming their way - again.