State of Origin: Victorious Maroons stay loyal as they hunt 3-0 demolition

The already-victorious Queensland Maroons have stuck to a relatively similar squad for game three, though Billy Slater has been forced into making several minor changes—including one debut—because of injuries and the judiciary.

While Queensland may have already tied up the 2023 State of Origin series 2-0, Slater’s squad does have a chance to add insult to injury and sweep the Blues. If they manage the 3-0 bloodbath, it would be the first time since all the way back in 2010.

With that in mind, the Maroons selectors have stuck to a relatively similar lineup. Stars from the series like halves Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans, workhorse Lindsay Collins, and explosive backs Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, and Xavier Coates have all retained their spots, as has kicking wizard Valentine Holmes.

Of note, Reece Walsh is missing for the third game.

The 20-year-old Queensland fullback has been suspended following his abuse of a referee in a club game last weekend, which sees AJ Brimson step into the number-one jumper.

Alongside Brimsom, who debuted for his state in 2020 and has since played four games, Raiders prop Corey Horsburgh is the new face in Queensland’s 2023 squad. Horsburgh joins the 19-man group after Thomas Flegler was ruled out with a foot injury. This match, to be played in Sydney on July 12, will mark the Canberra forward’s first-ever Origin appearance.

The Maroons won in Sydney just last year, with an inspired Munster leading Queensland to a 16–10 victory over the Blues. Queensland went on to win the series in game three in Brisbane.

Queensland Maroons squad for Origin III

1. AJ Brimson (Titans)
2. Xavier Coates (Storm)
3. Valentine Holmes (Cowboys)
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
5. Murray Taulagi (Cowboys)
6. Cameron Munster (Storm)
7. Daly Cherry-Evans, capt. (Sea Eagles)
8. Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)
9. Harry Grant (Storm)
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans)
11. David Fifita (Titans)
12. Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)
13. Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
14. Ben Hunt (Dragons)
15. Lindsay Collins (Roosters)
16. Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans)
17. Corey Horsburgh (Raiders)
18. Tom Dearden (Cowboys)
19. J’maine Hopgood (Eels)

The last 2023 Origin match, a dead rubber, will start at 8.05pm on July 12.

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