LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Billy Slater has made significant changes to his Queensland squad for State of Origin 3, dropping three players from his previous lineup.
Mo Fotuaika, Corey Horsburgh, and Ezra Mam were all omitted, with Fotuaika not making the final 17-man squad after disappointing performances in the series.
In a surprising move, Slater has brought veteran Josh Papalii out of representative retirement to take Fotuaika's place in the front row, despite Papalii having stepped back from Origin in 2023.
Slater's decision adds controversy, as many believed Raiders teammate Horsburgh should have been included in earlier games.
However, he won't be part of the 20-player squad for the series finale.
Reece Walsh, who has been struggling with a knee injury, is named as the 18th man, while Josh Kerr and J'maine Hopgood also serve as reserves.
With Walsh not starting due to his injury, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will take on the fullback role, filling in for the injured Kalyn Ponga.
Additionally, Broncos center Gehamat Shibasaki will make his Origin debut in a restructured backline.
Mam, who was the 18th man in Game 2, will not join the squad this time despite arguably being a more versatile option.
These selections reflect Slater's bold strategy ahead of the crucial match, with the team composition focusing heavily on experience and proven performance.