The Stats Zone
July 16 2024, 11:21 · Ash Wheldon

Queensland vs New South Wales Preview & Prediction | 2024 State of Origin | Game 3

Queensland vs New South Wales Preview & Prediction | 2024 State of Origin | Game 3

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The 2024 State of Origin series is finely poised with all to play for in Game 3. Queensland could not back up their effort in the opening game with the Blues performing superbly in the second encounter and they will feel they have the momentum ahead of this trip to Suncorp.

START DATE/TIME: UK - Wednesday 17th July, 2024 - 11:05 / AUS - 20:05 / US EST - 05:05 / US PST - 02:05

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action in the UK / This match will be broadcast live on Nine in Australia / This match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL and Sky Go in the UK / This match will be streamed live on 9Now in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US

QUEENSLAND FORM: MAROONS WITH IT ALL TO DO ON HOME SOIL

After such a strong showing in the opening game, the Maroons fell well short last time out as they failed to secure the series with a game to spare and will need to produce a much better effort to claim the win here.

NEW SOUTH WALES FORM: BLUES DOMINATE IN GAME 2

The Blues had a point to prove and prove it they did as they ran rampant in Game 2. They bullied the Maroons through the middle of the park and will aim to exploit that advantage once again.

QUEENSLAND TEAM NEWS: PONGA, GAGAI AND COBBO COME IN

Queensland have been forced into some changes for this deciding contest with wingers Murray Taulagi and Xavier Coates both ruled out with injury. Veteran Dane Gagai comes into the team along with Selwyn Cobbo while Kalyn Ponga will act as the wildcard from the bench.

STARTING 13: 1 Reece Walsh 2 Selwyn Cobbo 3 Dane Gagai 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5 Valentine Holmes 6 Tom Dearden 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Reuben Cotter 9 Ben Hunt 10 Lindsay Collins 11 Kurt Capewell 12 Jeremiah Nanai 13 Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14 Harry Grant 15 Moeaki Fotuaika 16 Felise Kaufusi 17 Kalyn Ponga Reserves: 18 Trent Loiero 19 Brendan Piakura 20 Reed Mahoney

NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM NEWS: MITCHELL A BIG MISS

After an impressive return to the Origin arena, Latrell Mitchell secured his spot in the side for Game 3 but an injury has put an end to that. He will be replaced by Bradman Best while Mitch Barnett joins the bench in place of Haumole Olakau’atu.

STARTING 13: 1 Dylan Edwards 2 Brian To'o 3 Bradman Best 4 Stephen Crichton 5 Zac Lomax 6 Jarome Luai 7 Mitchell Moses 8 Jake Trbojevic 9 Reece Robson 10 Payne Haas 11 Liam Martin 12 Angus Crichton 13 Cameron Murray Bench: 14 Connor Watson 15 Isaah Yeo 16 Mitchell Barnett 17 Spencer Leniu Reserves: 18 Matt Burton 19 Haumole Olakau'atu 20 Joseph Suaali'i

QUEENSLAND VS NEW SOUTH WALES PREDICTION

Queensland and New South Wales will go into battle with the State of Origin series on the line. Two one-sided games have been the story of the series to date but this could be a thriller at Suncorp. The Maroons boast an incredible record on home soil and that could tip this in their favour but a repeat of their effort in Game 2 would see them fall short owing to the Blues’ superior physicality. However, the Maroons should produce a better performance here and this is likely to be a closely fought game with little to split the pair.

QUEENSLAND VS NEW SOUTH WALES TIP: WINNING MARGIN - 1-12 POINTS