How the NSW team is shaping up for State of Origin III at Suncorp Stadium.
Fullback: Dylan Edwards.
Age: 28
Origins: 1.
Origin tries: one.
As expected, Penrith’s Mr Consistent delivered on his Origin debut in game two. Tirelessly carries the ball out of the backfield and is always ready to pick up an offload or inside ball off a break.
Winger: Brian To’o
Age: 25
Origins: 11.
Origin tries: 6
The reigning Brad Fittler Medallist scored a double in game two and can be counted on for large yardage and difficult carries. His confrontation with Selwyn Cobbo on the edge creates an exciting difference in play styles.
Center: Bradman Best
Age: 22
Origins: 1.
Origin tries: two.
He replaces the injured Latrell Mitchell as one of two changes to the 17 from Game 2. Was great in his Origin debut in game three last year and would have been selected for the series opener this year if he hadn’t been injured. On the left edge, he runs the ball with similar power as Mitchell.
Stephen Crichton is at the centre.
Age: 23
Origins: 8.
Origin tries: one.
Crichton is valued in the Blues’ camp for his enthusiasm and leadership, but he’s also one of the league’s finest big-game performers. He’s returning to the location of the 2021 grand final, where he picked off an intercept and scored the winning try for Penrith. What magic will he perform this time?
Winger: Zac Lomax.
Age: 24
Origins: Two
Origin tries: three
Certainly one of the favourites for player of the series in his debut Origin season. He once again appears as an aerial target for potential Parramatta colleague Mitch Moses, and he will be critical if the Blues want to expose the out-of-form Val Holmes, who has been moved to his wing.
Five-eighth: Jarome Luai
Age: 27
Origins: Nine.
Origin tries: two.
The Queensland crowd’s pantomime villain during the Blues’ last visit to Suncorp Stadium. He was forced to mature on and off the field during Nathan Cleary’s injury absence at Penrith this season, so don’t expect him to be spooked when he returns to Brisbane.
Halfback: Mitch Moses.
Age: 29
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
His Origin II masterclass was billed as a coming-of-age performance. He now has the opportunity to secure the halfback jersey for the foreseeable future if he can become only the second NSW number seven to inspire victory in a game-three final at Suncorp Stadium.
Prop: Jake Trbojevic (c).
Age: 30
Origins: 18.
Origin tries: one.
After making only a cameo appearance in game one, the skipper’s minutes were boosted slightly for Origin II, and he was a dependable defensive presence as the Blues suffocated the Maroons early. Expect his best moments to come without the football.
Hooker: Reece Robson.
Age: 26
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Quietly building a solid series. Expect a lot of minutes from the North Queensland rake, as well as some excellent defensive efforts in the ruck. A resurgence of NSW’s middle domination could create opportunities for Robson to test his arm with the ball.
Prop: Payne Haas.
Age: 24
Origins: 13.
Origin tries: 0
The Brisbane monster, fresh off the best Origin performance of his career, is intimately familiar with Suncorp. He’s a critical piece in the forward pack, and with Queensland out for payback, NSW can’t win in these tough conditions if he plays poorly.
Second rower: Liam Martin.
Age: 27
Origins: 11.
Origin tries: two.
This guy is designed for the Origin arena: he’s an exceptional ball runner, an eager defender, and a serial pest. Will be eager to face elderly former teammate Kurt Capewell in a match that might provide lots of points for the Blues.
Second rower: Angus Crichton.
Age: 28
Origins: 13.
Origin tries: one.
His climb from reserve-grade to superstar second-rower has been one of the season’s most heartwarming stories. Crichton, who recently re-signed with the Sydney Roosters, now has the opportunity to top off a superb series in enemy territory.
Lock: Cameron Murray.
Age: 26
Origins: 14.
Origin tries: one.
Did not miss a beat as he returned to the Origin arena shortly after his hip injury, making more tackles than any other Blue. Again, Isaah Yeo was preferred as the starting lock.
Bench: Connor Watson
Age: 28
Origins: 1.
Origin tries: 0
Don’t expect significant minutes from the recent newcomer, but he’ll be essential if there are any mid-game injuries. He can be dropped off anywhere in the park and will perform his job.
Bench: Isaah Yeo.
Age: 29
Origins: 13.
Origin tries: 0
Will take over on-field leadership when Trbojevic takes a rest. He has a huge frame and silky ball abilities, and he can punch through the middle or fire a perfect pass to the edges.
Bench: Mitchell Barnett
Age: 30
Origins: zero.
Origin tries: 0
Replaces Haumole Olakau’atu, becoming the sixth NSW debutant this season and the only Blue to face Origin for the first time in the decider. He is in career-best form for the Warriors and will become only the second player to wear the sky blue while committed to the Auckland club, following Ryan Hoffman.
Bench: Spencer Leniu
Age: 23
Origins: Two
Origin tries: 0
The most devastating bench prop in the game, he runs the ball back from kick-offs like a man possessed and is always eager for more work rushing through tired middles. Privately, he was dissatisfied with the NSW bench’s performance in game two, so expect him to go all out.
18th player: Matt Burton.
Age: 30
Origins: Two
Origin tries: one.
