The Maroons will be out to snare their first 3-0 whitewash since 2010 when they travel to Sydney to take on the Blues at Accor Stadium.
Queensland will start favourites in Sydney against the Blues, and they’ve mostly kept the same side that was successful in Game II.
The exceptions are AJ Brimson starting at fullback for the suspended Reece Walsh and Raiders enforcer Corey Horsburgh coming into the side for the injured Tom Flegler (foot).
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
FOX LEAGUE PODCAST – ORIGIN TEAMS & RECORD LOSSES
Fox Sports journalists Darcie McDonald and Eamonn Tiernan dissect all of the big ins and outs after NSW and Queensland announced their teams for Origin III. They also dive deeper into the Tigers’ and Bulldogs’ horror Round 18 losses. Listen NOW >
Under-pressure Blues coach Brad Fittler has dropped Jarome Luai and handed the number six jersey to the in-form Cody Walker.
Bradman Best’s inclusion was one of fierce debate, with the Newcastle centre’s outstanding game against the Bulldogs in Round 18 the catalyst for his inclusion. He replaces the injured Tom Trbojevic.
Walker’s South Sydney teammates Cam Murray, Damien Cook both come into the starting line-up at lock and hooker respectively, with Isaah Yeo and Reece Robson set to begin on the pine.
Payne Haas is out injured with Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu and Tyson Frizell all dropped. They have been replaced by Parramatta prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Souths forward Keaon Koloamatangi (debut), Knights forward Jacob Safiti and Eels fullback Clint Gutherson.
Read on for everytining you need to know about the 2023 series
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DATES AND VENUES
Game I — Wednesday, May 31
Adelaide Oval, SA (Queensland won 26-18)
Game II — Wednesday, June 21
Suncorp Stadium, QLD (Queensland won 32-6)
Game III — Wednesday, July 12
Accor Stadium, NSW
WHAT TIME IS KICK OFF?
Game III is scheduled to kick-off at 8.05pm AEST.
But, as is so often the case, don’t expect the actual football to get underway until closer to 8.10pm due to the pre-match ceremony.
You can catch Game III of the 2023 State of Origin series on free-to-air Channel Nine and its streaming platform 9Now.
Foxtel will provide extensive pre-match coverage and replays after the final siren on Fox League (Channel 502).
TICKETS
Tickets for Game III at Accor Stadium are available on Ticketek.
FORECAST
The weather in Sydney is expected to be clear with just a 4% chance of rain. It’s forecast to be 14C at kick-off.
ODDS (TAB)
QLD $1.65
NSW $2.30
Will Freddy remain as Blues coach? | 01:38
TEAMS FOR ORIGIN III
NSW Team
1. James Tedesco (c)
2. Brian To’o
3. Bradman Best
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cody Walker
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Damien Cook
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Liam Martin
12. Keaon Koloamatangi
13. Cameron Murray
14. Isaah Yeo
15. Jacob Saifiti
16. Reece Robson
17. Clint Gutherson
18th man: Scott Drinkwater
Coach: Brad Fittler
QLD Team
1. AJ Brimson
2. Xavier Coates
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. David Fifita
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Ben Hunt
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Moeaki Fotuaika
17. Corey Horsburgh
18th man: Tom Dearden
Coach: Billy Slater
MATCH OFFICIALS FOR GAME III
Referee — Ashley Klein
Review Official — Grant Atkins
Touch Judges — Phil Henderson and David Munro
Standby Referee — Adam Gee
Standby Touch Judge — Liam Kennedy
MORE NRL NEWS
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‘DOESN’T MATTER’: Foran accuses ref of double standards in wild finish
‘CAN’T GET A FAIR CRACK’: Souths blow up over ‘manufactured’ sin bin
Blues rally around Daniel Anderson | 00:52
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2022 — Queensland
2021 — New South Wales
2020 — Queensland
2019 — New South Wales
2018 — New South Wales
2017 — Queensland
2016 — Queensland
2015 — Queensland
2014 — New South Wales
2013 — Queensland
2012 — Queensland
2011 — Queensland
2010 — Queensland
2009 — Queensland
2008 — Queensland
2007 — Queensland
2006 — Queensland
WALLY LEWIS MEDAL WINNERS
2022 — Patrick Carrigan
2021 — Tom Trbojevic
2020 — Cameron Munster
2019 — James Tedesco
2018 — Billy Slater
2017 — Dane Gagai
2016 — Cameron Smith
2015 — Corey Parker
2014 — Paul Gallen
2013 — Cameron Smith
2012 — Nate Myles
2011 — Cameron Smith
2010 — Billy Slater
2009 — Greg Inglis
2008 — Johnathan Thurston
2007 — Cameron Smith
2006 — Darren Lockyer
2005 — Anthony Minichiello
2004 — Craig Fitzgibbon
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