Queensland has announced their squad for the third and final State of Origin match, featuring a surprise inclusion from the Canberra Raiders. The Maroons are aiming to avoid a series clean sweep after losing the first two games to New South Wales.
Key Selection Changes
The most notable addition is the recall of Raiders forward Corey Horsburgh, who has been brought in to add toughness to the Queensland pack. Horsburgh, known for his aggressive style, replaces the injured Tom Flegler. This marks his first appearance in the series after being overlooked for the earlier matches.
In the backs, Valentine Holmes retains his spot despite a quiet series, while Dane Gagai returns to the centres after being dropped for Game II. Coach Billy Slater has also stuck with Daly Cherry-Evans as captain, despite criticism of the team's performances.
Injury Concerns
The Maroons have been hampered by injuries, with key players like Cameron Munster and Harry Grant unavailable. Munster is still recovering from a hip issue, while Grant has been ruled out with a calf strain. Their absence has forced Slater to reshuffle the spine, with Ben Hunt moving to hooker and Ezra Mam coming in at five-eighth.
According to Slater, the team is focused on restoring pride after a disappointing series. "We owe it to ourselves and the fans to put in a performance that reflects the Queensland spirit," he said.
Game Details
The match will be held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on July 13. New South Wales will be aiming for their first series sweep since 2000. Queensland has not lost a series at home since 2005, adding extra pressure to avoid that unwanted record.
