LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In the lead-up to the State of Origin decider, Queensland coach Billy Slater has called on veteran prop Josh Papalii to reinforce the Maroons as they face the Westpac NSW Blues.
Papalii, making his first Origin appearance since Game Three of 2022, is expected to deliver an immediate impact in the match.
The Maroons managed to secure a narrow two-point win in Game Two, keeping their hopes alive for the series.
In a series of strategic changes, Slater has shifted Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback due to Kalyn Ponga's foot injury, while young talent Gehamat Shibasaki has received an unexpected call-up.
On the other hand, Blues coach Laurie Daley has retained the same lineup that struggled in Perth, where they found themselves trailing 26-6 at halftime.
Despite a strong second-half performance that included four tries, the Blues ultimately fell short of a remarkable comeback.
With high stakes for both teams, all eyes are on the decider at Accor Stadium as they aim for supremacy in this fierce rivalry.