It all comes down to this. The 2024 State of Origin series heads to Suncorp tonight for a highly anticipated decider that promises to be a clash for the ages.
Michael Maguire’s side will be full of confidence after their record-breaking first half, which saw them put Game II to bed before the half-time whistle blew.
Their opponents, Billy Slater’s who all overcome the Maroons, will put it to the test. Queensland will look to move on from their pedestrian start to Game II in Melbourne and dispel any belief that they don’t have the attacking package to match the Blues.
ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know ahead of Game III
WHAT DOES GAMBLING REALLY COST YOU? Set a deposit limit.
START TIME: WHEN DOES GAME III START?
TEAMS: NSW & QLD GAME III TEAMS
The only place to watch every match of every round LIVE without commercial breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
MATCH CENTER: NSW v QLD, stats, results, teams
History beckons to New South Wales. Should they be successful at Suncorp, they will become only the third Blues side to win a decider at the infamous venue, following the 1994 and 2005 teams.
Maguire will face the series decider without center Latrell Mitchell, who was one of the Blues’ best on the ground in Game II, while Sea Eagles lead Haumole Olakau’atu has been replaced on the bench by Warriors enforcer Mitch Barnett.
Kalyn Ponga has been named to the Queensland bench, a role he previously excelled in at Origin level, while Kurt Capewell has been promoted to the starting XI.
For more details on Origin Game III, check out our ultimate guide. You can find all the news about your team here.
HANNAY EXPLAINS SLATER’S ‘More Determined’
Queensland assistant coach Josh Hannay has dismissed claims Billy Slater is under pressure, claiming the QLD coach is “more determined” ahead of the 2024 season decider.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday morning, Hannay insisted that rumors that the former Storm fullback is “under enormous pressure and exhibiting a different behaviour” could not be further from the truth.
“It’s all nonsense,” he said.
“He’s the same Billy I’ve been working with for three years.”
Hannay explained that Slater was “stimulated” by the Blues’ first-half dominance over the Maroons in Game II, a performance that set up a thrilling series decider at Suncorp this evening.
“It just made him more determined, and that’s the scary part,” the 44-year-old said.
Hannay emphasized that Slater is a “winner” who has “won his entire career.”
“He doesn’t like having to go through what we had to go through in Game II,” he said.
“All I have seen is a more determined Billy Slater and that is a frightening prospect.”
ORIGIN BURNING QUESTIONS: Bank battle looms as DCE swan song looms
Myles on the new start to Game Three | 04:04
MAROON’S GREAT CALL FOR CARRIGAN TO ‘SEND A MESSAGE’
After a poor showing from the state’s mid-table in Game II, a great Maroons has called on Patrick Carrigan to rip the “damn head” off of club teammate Payne Haas.
Haas was dominant in the Blues’ performance, making 166 metres, 61 of which came after contact, and making four offloads and 27 tackles without missing in what was his most complete Origin performance to date.
Alongside the 24-year-old, the rest of the Blues forwards faced Queensland’s mid-table, who came under fire in the weeks following the match.
Speak with The courier postParker believes it is up to Carrigan to get behind his club teammate and make a point for the rest of his side that history would not repeat itself in the decider.
“It’s time for Carrigan to take on Payne Haas. Pull his damn head off. Seriously,” said the 19-time Maroon.
“In Origin, friendship is put aside for 80 minutes.”
QLD attackers notified for decider | 02:39
Parker recalled speaking to one of his best friends, blues whore Michael Ennis, at Origin. On Parker’s first run, Ennis hit him with a swinging arm. On Parker’s next run, he hit Ennis with a forearm.
The Broncos legend believes it is time for Carrigan to do the same at representative level.
“Pat needs to make a statement,” he said.
“Fly out of line and level Payne. Hit him. They’re best friends, but that’s what Origin is about, size versus size.
“Payne is their big dog, so Pat should take it upon himself to go after Payne Haas.
“Forget all the jargon about completion percentages and defensive systems. Someone needs to send a message in this Queensland team.
GAME III MATCH CENTER: Live stats and more!
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION TONIGHT IN OUR LIVE BLOG. CAN’T SEE IT? CLICK HERE
