The third and final game of the State of Origin series is looming large on the horizon with all to play for in Sydney.
New South Wales were heavily backed to wrap up the series in Perth after easing to a comfortable win in the opener. However, Queensland produced one of their trademark backs-against-the-wall performances to force a decider.
Billy Slater made several changes heading into Game II and was rewarded for his changes, so he is likely to stick solid. But will Laurie Daley afford his team another shot at claiming the shield, or swing the axe?
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When are the State of Origin teams announced? Selection date for Game III
The decider will take place at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.
So, both teams will reveal their lineups after Round 17.
The Gold Coast and North Queensland will go head-to-head in the last fixture of the round in the NRL on Sunday, June 29.
NSW are expected to announce their side later that night, before QLD follows the next morning.
Who is playing in the NRL round before Origin selection?
| Date | Match | Time (AEST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurs. June 26 | Penrith Panthers vs. Canterbury Bulldogs | 7:50pm | CommBank Stadium |
| Fri. June 27 | Manly Sea Eagles vs. Wests Tigers | 6:00pm | 4 Pines Park |
| Fri. June 27 | Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders | 8:00pm | McDonald Jones Stadium |
| Sat. June 28 | Brisbane Broncos vs. New Zealand Warriors | 3:00pm | Suncorp Stadium |
| Sat. June 28 | St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Parramatta Eels | 5:30pm | WIN Stadium |
| Sun. June 28 | Dolphins vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs | 7:35pm | Suncorp Stadium |
| Sun. June 29 | Melbourne Storm vs. Cronulla Sharks | 2:00pm | AAMI Park |
| Sun. June 29 | Gold Coast Titans vs. North Queensland Cowboys | 4:05pm | Cbus Super Stadium |
| BYE | Sydney Roosters |
NSW Blues team news for Origin Game III
Brian To'o, Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas all carried injury issues into Game II but managed to get through.
Mitch Moses wasn't so lucky earlier in camp though after he went down with a calf complaint. The Parra playmaker was replaced by Jarome Luai. But will the Wests Tigers five-eighth keep his spot in the side after the loss?
There are also question marks around the pack after Stefano Utoikamanu and Max King struggled to make an impact through the middle.
Keaon Koloamatangi and Terrell May are likely to be right in the mix, if the coach opts to make a change.
QLD Maroons team news for Origin Game III
A foot injury to Kalyn Ponga has ruled him out of contention, meaning Reece Walsh is in line to snag the No. 1 jersey.
The Brisbane fullback is a noted favourite of Slater's and is now back to full fitness after previously being sidelined with a knee issue at the start of the series.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also put in a big showing in Round 17 and will be a chance for the fullback gig.
Elsewhere, the Maroons are likely to name an unchanged pack after they got the job done in WA.