Game 2 of the Origin series saw a completely different contest to the series opener. This came on the back of a raft of changes by Blues coach Brad Fittler.
Given the blow out in the Origin Two scoreline, you'd have to believe Fittler would love to name the same squad for the decider.
Outside of the temptation to pick Latrell Mitchell, if fit, the ideal situation would be to name the same starting 17, with perhaps Jack Wighton coming in at 18th man just in case.
Unfortunately for Fittler, as I write this, that might not be completely left to him.
Payne Haas is reportedly in real doubt of missing Game 3 due to injury. He was seen in a moon boot following the game and it's 50/50 as to whether he'll even be named for the Broncos this weekend.
Payne Haas is impossible to replace but the Blues may not have a choice. If the injury is as bad as NSW fans hope it is not, Fittler will have to name a replacement.
Given that the Blues named only the one prop on the bench for Game 2, I'm going to assume they need to replace a similar big man to Haas. This means the likes of Tariq Sims, Haumole Olakau'atu and the like will miss out. Therefore they're not mentioned below.
Below are the five men I believe will be in the running for an Origin 3 call up if the unthinkable is true and Haas is unavailable:
3. Jordan McLean
Jordan McLean was a shock inclusion for the Game 2 squad but the fact he was picked shows his place in the pecking order; at least in the mind of Brad Fittler.
McLean was the only prop named in the extended squad so all signs point to him being the next cab off the rank.
The Cowboys middle has been very good this season. He averages over 115 metres per game and is tackling at 96%. Truthfully he has a more than solid case to return to the Origin arena.
Importantly he starts for the Cowboys, a role I believe the incoming prop will fulfil.
McLean has missed only the six tackles in the past ten games. That bodes very well for potential Origin inclusion given the defensive nature of the opening 20 minutes.
Prior to his shock selection in the Game 2 squad, I wouldn't have even considered McLean for an Origin spot. That said, after looking at his recent performances there is no reason he shouldn't be picked.
Klemmer has experience, ability and effort, but he suffers from playing with a team that is going nowhere. If he played for a top four team he would be much more likely to be selected. I’d be happy with either him or RCG.
Personally, I would pick them both and not pick Cook. Two hookers is a luxury when you remember how the NSW pack struggled against Qld in SOO#1. If the Qld pack had been on song for #2, then Cleary would have had less freedom and the result could have been a LOT closer.