PREVIEW: 2015 State of Origin III

Queensland Maroons v New South Wales Blues
Suncorp Stadium - Wednesday 8:00pm

Will this be the greatest Origin of all time?

Whilst this seems a massive call, it's what many of the game's experts are suggesting. The scene is certainly set, a decider at Suncorp Stadium is the biggest challenge and event Rugby League has to offer.

There's been plenty of banter thrown in each others direction, ensuring another bruising and physical encounter. The fast, open and attacking style of footy played in Melbourne will only be enhanced by the expected dryer conditions. The game is sold out and the energy a packed Suncorp Stadium generates at Origin time is unrivaled and gives both teams a lift to go that extra mile. Whether it's the greatest Origin of all time, only time will tell, but If there's anything we've learned about Origin over the years, it's that just when you think Origin can't get any better, it somehow rises to another level.

The Maroons have been forced into a couple of changes for game three, with injuries to Billy Slater and Josh McGuire ending their seasons. The injury to Slater could yet end up a blessing in disguise. Everyone saw in game two just how dangerous Greg Inglis can be with a bit more of the footy. Playing at fullback, he won't have to worry about being caught out of position when he goes looking for the ball, which should see him really break the shackles and cut loose in this one. The move to the back for Inglis, does mean a reshuffle in the Queensland back-line though, with Will Chambers moving into the centres and Dane Gagai coming onto the wing for his Origin debut.

The inclusion on the bench of Josh Papalii should also improve the Maroons team. He's shown in the past his willingness and aggression to mix it with the best and the Maroons will need every bit of aggression they can get to match it with the Blues hungry forwards.

The Maroons will also welcome back their champion number seven in Cooper Cronk. It's no secret they've struggled without him in recent times. His control and game management under pressure are second to none. An oversight by many though, is his organization in defence on Queensland's right edge. The Blues targeted that side with great success in game two. Daly Cherry-Evans would have been having nightmares about Ryan Hoffman running at him that night and the headaches Michael Jennings caused resulted in a man of the match performance.

The Blues will be hoping to go into this one with the same 17 that did the job so well in Melbourne. The big question mark of course, is will their inspirational vice-captain Robbie Farah play? It seems like every second person you ask about this gives a different answer. Playing a game of this magnitude eight days after surgery on a fractured hand would rule most players out. Robbie Farah isn't most players though, he's been a massive part in bridging the gap between the two states since his second dig at Origin commenced back in 2012. Ultimately, the final call will be left to him, only he knows if his hand feels strong enough to handle 80 minutes of Origin football in the most pivotal position on the park.

If Farah is ruled out, it will give Michael Ennis his first taste at this level in four years. The disruption of a late call up should be minimal though, with the experienced campaigner featuring at dummy half throughout the Blues preparations. On the park, the effect could be more evident. The Blues would certainly miss the option of Farah's left foot kick out of dummy half. While Ennis does have a decent kick of his own, it's probably not as effective and Farah has shown a real sense of timing in turning the opposition around with his deft kicks to the corners.

On the plus side for the Blues, would be the famous Ennis niggle. There's no one better in the business of putting the opposition off their game. The Maroons have already stated they won't be buying into it, but that will surely be inspiring the wily Ennis to be working overtime on his material for Wednesday night.

Last meeting: Game II 2015 - Queensland Maroons 18 New South Wales Blues 26

The Blues surprised many with a vastly improved attacking display to catapult them to victory and entertain the record MCG crowd in the process.

Who to watch: In what will be his last game of Origin football in front of a parochial crowd, expect veteran centre Justin Hodges to bounce back from a rare disappointing performance at this level. His runs out of acting half have been a feature for the Maroons over the years and there's been no one better at getting under the skins of Blues players and fans alike. His Blues contemporary Michael Jennings gave him a bath in Origin two and you can rest assured, Hodges would have taken it personally and will be doing everything in his power to make every post a winner in his farewell game.

After his stirring performance in Origin two, there's been no one more talked about in the game than David Klemmer. This unique human specimen has taken his game to new heights since entering the Origin arena. His opening stint for the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground last Monday night was one of the most destructive performances from a front-rower in years. One gets the feeling all the extra attention and the promise from Queensland's forwards to match him physically in the decider, is like waving a red flag to a bull.

The favourite: With a strong home ground advantage and the return of the ever reliable Cooper Cronk, the Maroons will go in as favourites yet again.

My tip: The biggest change in this Blues outfit over the last 12 months has been their belief. For the first time in a long time, the Maroons can throw anything at them and the Blues will keep believing they can overcome the odds and fight back. That mentality will hold them in good stead heading into an Origin decider at Suncorp.

If they can weather the opening onslaught that will no doubt be coming their way, they will have too much power upfront and some ever improving attacking combinations to get the job done... New South Wales by 6

1. Greg Inglis 2. Darius Boyd 3. Will Chambers 4. Justin Hodges 5. Dane Gagai 6. Johnathan Thurston 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Matthew Scott 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nate Myles 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Michael Morgan 15. Josh Papalii 16. Matt Gillett 17. Jacob Lillyman 18. Edrick Lee

1. Josh Dugan 2. William Hopoate 3. Michael Jennings 4. Josh Morris 5. Brett Morris 6. Mitchell Pearce 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. James Tamou 11. Beau Scott 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Trent Merrin 15. Boyd Cordner 16. David Klemmer 17. Josh Jackson

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;

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