State of Origin Game 3: NSW Blues confirm squad for decider

The Blues team for Game 3 is IN! 👇

EDITOR | July 7, 2024 - 7:39pm

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The New South Wales Blues have confirmed two changes to their team for the third and deciding game of the 2024 State of Origin series.

Coach Michael Maguire, who oversaw his side record the largest half time lead in the history of State of Origin during Game 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, has made one forced, and one unforced change to his side battling to break a Queensland Maroons bid for a three-peat.

The forced change is that of Latrell Mitchell, who has suffered a foot injury and, pending the result of a meeting with a surgeon on Monday, could miss the rest of the season.

Mitchell's injury is the gain of Bradman Best however, with the Newcastle Knights' centre winning his spot back.

He made his debut in Game 3 of last year's series, with the Knights' star then unable to play Game 1 thanks to a hamstring injury, and overlooked for Game 2 with Mitchell called back into the side for his first Origin since 2021.

Mitchell had originally replaced Joseph Suaalii, who was suspended after a devastating high shot in Game 1. Despite being available for selection in Game 3, he has missed the team.

Meanwhile, Maguire has made the big call to drop Haumole Olakau'atu.

The Manly Sea Eagles' second-rower, who made his Origin debut in Game 1 and then survived the chop for Game 2 that found its way instead to bench second-row partner Hudson Young, has been cut for the decider with Mitchell Barnett to come into the side.

The explosive New Zealand Warriors forward, who can play either in the middle or on the edge, will add plenty of starch to a Blues' bench that will again feature Connor Watson, Isaah Yeo and Spencer Leniu.

The team is otherwise unchanged from Game 2, with the 18th man and reserves announced on Monday morning as Matt Burton, Haumole Olakau'atu and Luke Keary.