FREE: State Of Origin Game 3 Preview: Our Picks

QLD MAROONS VS NSW BLUES – WEDNESDAY 13TH JULY, 8:10PM, SUNCORP STADIUM

Following Queensland’s narrow win in the series opener in Sydney it was the Blues hitting back in Perth to set up a mouth-watering contest at the spiritual home of Origin.

Despite criticism of some perceived kneejerk changes from coach Brad Fittler, the Blues addressed their game one shortcomings impressively. They dominated the middle of the field – with inspirational Jake Trbojevic’s return for NSW and Reuben Cotter’s absence for Queensland proving crucial – and Nathan Cleary produced a man-of-the-match display on the back of it.

Both sides have been forced into changes with Blues prop Payne Haas nursing a shoulder injury and Maroons stalwart Felise Kaufusi on family leave in the USA.

North Queensland forward Tom Gilbert will join Billy Slater’s bench, with young gun Jeremiah Nanai set for his first start at the Origin level.

Recent Matchups

The historical Origin decider stats make daunting reading for the Blues. In 21 game three clashes where the series has still been alive, Queensland has won 14 times to NSW’s five, with two drawn (the Maroons retained the shield on both occasions as the current holders).

The last six Origins in Brisbane have produced totals of 32 points or less. The scale of the Perth result shouldn’t unduly concern the Maroons: on the seven occasions a team has lost game two by 16-plus to force a decider, they’ve either won game three or lost by six points or less.

Betting Insights

Our Picks  Download Our Free NRL App

•   $25 NSW 1-12 @ $3.00
•   $75 Under 39.5 Match Points @ $1.93
•   $50 James Tedesco Anytime Try Scorer @ $2.70
•   $50 James Tedesco Man Of the Match @ $7
•   $100 NSW -8.5 @ $2
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