NSW centre Bradman Best continues to manage a hamstring concern as he attempts to make his State of Origin return in next Wednesday’s decider.
The 22-year-old was cleared of a serious injury after scans on Monday, however he warmed up away from the team at training on Wednesday and was largely an observer for most of the session. 18th man Matt Burton trained in the centres.
Official squads and team lists for Game Three of the 2024 Ampol State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.
State of Origin Team Lists: Game Three
Queensland
The Maroons have recalled 22-game veteran Dane Gagai and his Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga to the Origin arena, with both men set to play their first game since the 2022 decider. Broncos outside back Selwyn Cobbo also returns after being rested from Game Two, slotting into the centres with Val Holmes moving to the wing to replace Murray Taulagi (hamstring). Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been named and is expected to be right for the game after suffering an AC joint (shoulder) injury in Melbourne during Game Two. Warriors back-rower Kurt Capewell comes into the starting side in place of Jaydn Su’A.
New South Wales
Knights centre Bradman Best and Warriors forward Mitch Barnett are the new faces in the NSW team. After making five changes for Game Two in Melbourne, Blues coach Michael Maguire has recalled Best in place of the injured Latrell Mitchell, while Barnett replaces interchange forward Haumole Olakau’atu, who is listed in the reserves alongside Luke Keary. There was a scare for the Blues on Monday when Best went for scans on his hamstring. Matt Burton is the 18th man and is the ready-made replacement should Best fail to come up. The centre warmed up away from the team at training on Wednesday and was on limited duties throughout the session, with Burton training in the centres.