New South Wales were unable to get the job done in Perth as Queensland stunned them in their do-or-die clash to force a decider in Sydney.
The Blues eased to a commanding victory in Game I and entered into the second instalment in the series as heavy favourites, yet the Maroons scored a 26-24 win.
Laurie Daley has decided to back his players to bounce back from the defeat and retain the shield for the state.
The Sporting News provides all the latest NSW team news for Game III of the 2025 Origin series.
New South Wales Blues confirmed team list for State of Origin 2025 Game III
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To'o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Max King
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Hudson Young
17. Stefano Utoikamanu
18. Jacob Kiraz
Blues team news:
Laurie Daley stated that he would remain loyal to his players despite their disappointing defeat in Western Australia, and he has held strong on this assertion.
Dylan Edwards has been named as the NSW fullback once again after he got through Penrith's final game before selection unscathed.
Brian To'o battled injury throughout the camp in Game II but then producing a starring display as he grabbed a hat-trick in a losing side. He picked up a knee issue while back with Penrith but is fine for the decider. Zac Lomax will be positioned on the opposite flank.
Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell were named in the centres once again.
Jarome Luai was brought into the side on late notice after Mitch Moses went down in training with a calf injury. The five-eighth was utilised due to his combination with Nathan Cleary, and has been backed to get the job done in Game III.
The Blues missed the punch of the injured Mitch Barnett in Game II after the New Zealand Warriors forward was injured while backing up in clubland after the opener.
Max King was promoted into the starting side in Barnett's absence but struggled to make the same impact he did in the opener.
NSW have shown faith in the Canterbury prop to get the job done at the second time of asking, giving him another opportunity to start.
Payne Haas is playing through the pain barrier but was one of the first players picked after getting through Round 17 unscathed.
Reece Robson's place at hooker has come under question following the state's loss in Perth. There were calls for Api Koroisau to be brought into the side, however he copped a concussion in Round 17.
Liam Martin, Angus Crichton and captain Isaah Yeo have been named in the starting side once again, with squad member Haumole Olakau'atu out of the picture due to a shoulder injury.
Connor Watson was used sparingly in Game II but has kept hold of the No.14 jersey due to his utility value.
Elsewhere on the bench, Spencer Leniu and Hudson Young have been retained with the latter handed plenty of game time through the middle in WA.
Stefano Utoikamanu was promoted into the 17 from the extended squad for Game II but struggled to make an impact.
The Melbourne enforcer will have his chance at redemption when he takes the field in Sydney.
On the extended bench, Jacob Kiraz gets the nod to be the 18th man, continuing the trend of Bulldogs players selected in that role throughout the series.
Lindsay Smith gets the call once again to be a part of the extended bench.