Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has today confirmed the squad for State of Origin Game III at Suncorp Stadium.
Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga will make their first appearances in this year’s series, adding experience to the Queensland line-up for the July 17 match.
Gagai, who was 18th man in Game II, will start at centre in his first game for the Maroons since the 2022 series decider that also featured Ponga.
Ponga has been named on the interchange bench after making his return from injury with Newcastle Knights yesterday.
Selwyn Cobbo and Valentine Holmes are the new wingers for the Maroons after Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi were not considered for selection due to injury.
Trent Loiero is 18th man, while Brendan Piakura and Reed Mahoney are also part of the extended squad.
Game III will mark Ben Hunt’s 20th match for Queensland, earning him the prestigious FOGS Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner Medal.
Media conference: Billy Slater on Game III selections