NSW could have its first unchanged line-up in a State of Origin series since 1996 after Laurie Daley shrugged off a number of injury concerns to name an extended squad for the decider next Wednesday.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Skipper Boyd Cordner and back-rower Tyson Frizell will be given every chance to prove their fitness for the Suncorp Stadium decider, included as part of a 18-man squad named on Monday.
Jack de Belin was named 18th man.
NSW hasn't had an unchanged line-up for an entire series since 1996, co-incidentally the last time the Blues won two games in the one year in Brisbane. Daley was a member of the Brad Fittler-led squad playing in the centres.
He will be hoping for a sense of deja vu after dancing a fine line with injury over the past fortnight, but faring a whole lot better than Queensland who have lost Johnathan Thurston and Darius Boyd to long-term injuries.
Cordner, if fit, and fullback James Tedesco won't have played since the Blues bombed a 10-point half-time lead in game two with both held back from club duties since the Sydney cliffhanger.
The Blues will start their Origin III preparations in Kingscliff on Tuesday.
Game III starting side
- James Tedesco
- Brett Morris
- Josh Dugan
- Jarryd Hayne
- Blake Ferguson
- James Maloney
- Mitchell Pearce
- Aaron Woods
- Nathan Peats
- Andrew Fifita
- Boyd Cordner (c)
- Josh Jackson
- Tyson Frizell
Interchange
- David Klemmer
- Wade Graham
- Jake Trbojevic
- Jack Bird
- 18th man: Jack de Belin
