Everything is on the line as Queensland and New South Wales clash in a blockbuster State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium. After trading wins in the opening two matches, the Maroons return home as favourites looking to secure a fourth series triumph in five years under Billy Slater, while the Blues have made six key changes in a bid to break Queensland’s dominance. With star halfbacks Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker set to headline a thrilling battle, and history favouring the Maroons in deciding matches, Game 3 promises to be a fierce contest with the Origin shield and individual legacy on the line.
Related
- See full State of Origin Game 3 coverage → /state-of-origin/2026-series/game-3/
- See full State of Origin Game 3 teams → /state-of-origin-game-3-team-lists-2026/
- See writer State of Origin Game 3 predictions → /state-of-origin-2026-game-3-expert-predictions/
Matchday Details
Wednesday, 17 June 2026 – 8:05pm AEST – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
📺 Broadcast: 📺 Nine Network / Nine Now
Referee: Ashley Klein | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Queensland: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster (c), 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Max Plath, 15. Patrick Carrigan, 16. Jeremiah Nanai, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi, 20. Corey Horsburgh
New South Wales: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Jack Bostock, 3. Bradman Best, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitchell Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Addin Fonua-Blake, 16. Haumole Olakau’atu, 17. Blayke Brailey, 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Tolutau Koula, 20. Victor Radley
Match Preview
It all comes down to this: a State of Origin decider in the cauldron of Suncorp Stadium.
Queensland are aiming for their fourth series win in five years under coach Billy Slater, while New South Wales are looking for their first series win since 2024.
The Maroons will enter the game as favourites following their comprehensive 44-24 victory in the second game in Melbourne, a strong bounce-back after surrendering a 20-point lead in their 22-20 loss in Sydney’s opener.
Queensland have retained almost the same side from the second game, with only Lindsay Collins (concussion) and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki out of the side, replaced by Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai. Corey Horsburgh also joins the squad as the reserve.
There are six changes for Laurie Daley’s Blues for the decider, headlined by Jack Bostock, who has been named to debut on the wing in place of Brian To’o. Stephen Crichton, Blayke Brailey and Haumole Olakau’atu all return to the side after missing the second game, replacing Kotoni Staggs, Apisai Koroisau and Victor Radley, respectively, while Liam Martin and Bradman Best will make their first appearances of the series. Dylan Lucas is out of the squad, with Tolutau Koula moving to the bench. Matt Burton was added to the squad on Friday as cover for Ethan Strange after the latter rolled his ankle at training earlier in the week.
For 57 minutes in the opening game, Queensland were cruising. Sam Walker was pulling the strings and looked to be guiding his state to a 1-0 lead. Then Kalyn Ponga was sent off, Queensland panicked, New South Wales came to life, and James Tedesco helped the Blues complete the biggest comeback in Origin history.
In the second game, New South Wales started strongly, leading 12-2 at one stage and still holding a six-point lead at halftime. Six Queensland second-half tries later, and a decider was confirmed.
The addition of Bostock to the New South Wales side in place of To’o comes after To’o’s struggles against Jojo Fifita throughout the series to date.
No players will have more pressure on them than opposing halfbacks Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker. Cleary looked to have finally gotten the Origin monkey off his back when he guided New South Wales to victory at the end of the first game, while Walker was arguably Queensland’s best player in the game one loss and was the official Player of the Match in game two. Whichever halfback stands tallest in game three will lead their state to victory and probably take home the Wally Lewis Medal.
Queensland have recovered from 1-0 down to win the series seven times. No state has won back-to-back series after losing the first game. New South Wales have not won a decider after losing the second game since 2004. Queensland are aiming for their first win at Suncorp Stadium since game two of the 2023 series. Queensland have won 10 of the past 12 deciders.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: QLD by 14
Bold call: Sam Walker to cap his first Origin series with the Wally Lewis Medal.
