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New South Wales
18
Match Complete
Queensland
20
| L. Mitchell |  | 69 | ||
| A. Koroisau |  | 68 | ||
| 64 | | D. Cherry-Evans | ||
| 63 | | B. Hunt | ||
| 58 | | D. Cherry-Evans | ||
| 56 | | B. Hunt | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 49 | ||
| J. Wighton | | 47 | ||
| 19 | | V. Holmes | ||
| 17 | | H. Tabuai-Fidow | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 11 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 10 | ||
| 4 |  | V. Holmes |
| 3 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The Queensland Maroons have prevented a rare State of Origin clean sweep defeating the New South Wales Blues 20-18 in Game 3 on the Gold Coast.
After giving up the lead early in the second half with a try to Jack Wighton, Queensland hit back through Ben Hunt who scored two tries in a row to give the Maroons a 20-12 lead with 16 minutes to play before the Blues pegged one back to set up a thrilling finish.
It was a brave performance by the Maroons who had to win without Valentine Holmes who injured his shoulder at the end of the first half.
The NSW Blues will be looking for a clean sweep tonight when they take on the Queensland Maroons at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:10pm (AEST).
The Blues last had a clean sweep in 2000. In that year, Mad Cow disease was discovered, the mobile phone was still a yuppie toy and Sydney hosted the Olympics.
A lot of change has occurred since but, in Origin, the overwhelming theme since 2000 has been Queensland winning. However, we might be seeing a period of Blues dominance ahead of us.
Certainly, on the back of their performances so far, this Blues team might be about to create their own little piece of history tonight.
Long considered a Maroons fortress, NSW would have been most pleased at keeping the Maroons scoreless in Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium.
It was near flawless again, with the Blues forward pack rolling forward. James Tedesco was much more prominent in Brisbane, with the Queensland defence more focused on Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell.
The loss of halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai is not something that can just be replaced. Mitchell Moses and Jack Wighton come in, both with strong kicking games. Dale Finucane comes in for the injured Daniel Saifiti and Api Koroisau debuts from the bench.
Queensland have endured another controversial camp, with the loss of Jai Arrow no doubt leading to even more media attention. Paul Green is under increasing pressure to retain his coaching role.
The Maroons competed at times in the second game, but Daly Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster again struggled to create chances. Queensland’s attack looked second rate.
There’s plenty of changes for the Maroons. Kalyn Ponga and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow add some pace to the backline, and AJ Brimson will take on the utility role. Tino Fa’asuamaleaiu will come into the starting side for Arrow with Thomas Flegler joining the bench. Francis Molo comes in for the suspended David Fifita whilst Ben Hunt will be in the hooker role.
Prediction
The Maroons are fielding a stronger side on the Gold Coast, but it’s a long way back from the two thrashings suffered so far.
Mitchell Moses and Jack Wighton will keep it simple, kicking well and feeding their gifted outside backs as much as possible.
The Maroons will be closer again, but not nearly close enough.
NSW Blues by 16
Kick-off: 8:10pm (AEST)
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
TV: Nine
Live stream: 9Now
Betting: NSW $1.26, Queensland $3.80 (odds via PlayUp)
NSW Blues
1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To’o, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Tom Trbojevic, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Mitchell Moses, 10. Junior Paulo, 9. Damian Cook, 18. Dale Finucane, 11. Cameron Murray, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Api Koroisau, 15. Angus Crichton, 16. Payne Haas, 17 Liam Martin
Queensland
1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Valentine Holmes, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Christian Welch, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Felise Kaufusi, 15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Interchange: 14. Alexander Brimson, 16. Moeaki Fotuaika, 18. Francis Molo, 20. Thomas Flegler
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