Billy Slater has backed the Queensland side thrashed by 32 points in Perth to reclaim the Origin shield on home turf, making just one forced change to his side for the decider.
Cowboys veteran Jordan McLean is set to become one of the oldest Blues debutants in history following Payne Haas’ shock withdrawal from next week’s Origin decider.
Coach Brad Fittler opted against parachuting Jack Wighton into his 17, backing his game two centre pairing of Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton while retaining Siosifa Talakai on the bench as Haas’ ongoing shoulder issues forced the Blues’ hand up-front.Broncos medicos reported deterioration in Haas’ right shoulder following Saturday’s loss to the Cowboys, with the Blues mainstay already having painkilling injections in both shoulders to get through Origin II.
Haas faces at least two weeks’ rest on doctor’s orders before his shoulder is reassessed. The prospect of surgery is unlikely but hasn’t been ruled out, according to Brisbane officials. The 22-year-old’s absence has handed McLean an unlikely call-up from Fittler’s extended squad, elevated to start alongside Jake Trbojevic as Eels prop Junior Paulo stays on the bench.
McLean’s debut comes less than a month before his 31st birthday, making the Cowboys prop the Blues’ fifth-oldest debutant in history behind Tony Butterfield, Max Krilich, Hazem El Masri and Matt Prior.His addition to Fittler’s side is the only change after NSW levelled the series in spectacular fashion,Despite Wighton’s impressive Origin I efforts, when he was the Blues best, Burton and Crichton have been retained in the NSW back line.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mystery Road: Origin review – Jay Swan is back and as great as everThe outback detective investigates some strange robberies in this satisfying prequel series, which feels more like a six-hour film
Read more »
Three-minute Blues-print for Origin gloryForget the tries by Nathan Cleary, the brilliance of James Tedesco and the tackles of Jake Trbojevic; the NSW hierarchy will focus on three minutes of commitment as the blueprint for NSW in the decider.
Read more »
Maroons star to miss State of Origin IIIQueensland coach Billy Slater expects to have Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga on deck for the State of Origin series decider, but the Maroons will be without the services of Felise Kaufusi.
Read more »
Mitchell withdraws from Origin contentionLatrell Mitchell has withdrawn from contention for the State of Origin decider, opting to focus on South Sydney’s finals charge after making a long-awaited return from injury | SMHsport
Read more »
‘Reimagining the college’: One of Sydney’s oldest Catholic schools considers co-ed moveSt Mary’s Cathedral College would be the fifth new co-educational school created by Sydney Catholic Schools in the past decade.
Read more »
Historic 'mirrors with a memory' reveal their stories in library research projectMonochrome portraits of unsmiling people might seem dull at first glance, but a re-examination of some of the oldest photographs in WA's state collection is turning up surprising stories.
Read more »