Embattled Maroons halfback Daly Cherry-Evans stands to get an Origin reprieve while Raiders hitman Josh Papalii has firmed as a "Klemmer Killer" from the bench as Queensland return to the war room ahead of the interstate decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Much depends on the fitness of halfback Cooper Cronk, who continues his recovery from a knee injury. But Queensland officials remain quitely confident the Storm general will be available for what shapes as an epic night in Brisbane, where just a few hundred tickets remain unsold.
His flawless combination with Johnathan Thurston means Mal Meninga would have little concern if Cronk didn't have the benefit of a lead-up game. The Maroons will want him there regardless of his match fitness given what rests on the outcome.
Cherry-Evans attracted little praise for his halfback performance in game two, but Fairfax Media understands he will likely be retained on the bench in place of Michael Morgan, who has campaigned well in his first Origin appearances without lighting too many fires around the park.
A difficult fortnight didn't get any easier for Cherry-Evans at the MCG. He's a playmaker of undoubted class but just seems to get his wires crossed alongside Thurston, while Cronk commands far more authority when he steers the Queensland ship.
Cherry-Evans had 28 fewer handles than Cronk's game one outing, getting his hands on the ball 25 times compared to Cronk's tally of 53.
That, in turns, piles the press on Thurston, who may have been over-compensating in Cronk's absence by ensuring he touched the ball as often as possible. He never fails for lack of effort, but was dealt some harsh treatment by rushing NSW defenders as he probed away.
More concerning for the Maroons will be how to combat the NSW forward presence, with Meninga and the selection panel likely to stiffen up the bench. With Cherry-Evans and Josh McGuire near certainties, it leaves wiggle room around Matt Gillett and Jacob Lillyman.
Gillett scored a try in game two and the reliable Lillyman looks the most vulnerable as the Maroons try to fight fire with fire from their interchange ranks, particularly as the Blues up their game behind young bulls such as David Klemmer.
Roosters giant Dylan Napa stands a chance, but Meninga should lean strongly to noted hitman Papalii, who remains one of the most fearsome front-on defenders in the game and would love nothing better than stepping up to the plate against Klemmer.
Papalii might already have the hit of the year sewn up with his bellringer on Brisbane's McGuire earlier in the season. That's the kind of tackle the Maroons need if they are to regain the initiative in the middle of the field.
Billy Slater's absence would see Greg Inglis shift back to fullback, although he may alternate on occasions with Darius Boyd to spare him the punishment of constant kick returns.
Newcastle's Dane Gagai would stand to make his Origin debut in the centres with Will Chambers keeping his spot on the wing.
Potential Maroons side for game three: Greg Inglis, Will Chambers, Dane Gagai, Justin Hodges, Darius Boyd, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Aiden Guerra, Corey Parker: Interchange: Daly Cherry-Evans, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire, Josh Papalii.
