Less than 24 hours since Michael Maguire named the NSW Blues for Game 3 of the State of Origin series, the side has been dealt a significant injury concern.
As reported byย The Daily Telegraph, centre Bradman Best has sustained a hamstring concern and has been sent for precautionary scans by officials from the Newcastle Knights.
Named in the centres for Game 3 to replace Latrell Mitchell, it is understood that Best pulled up with hamstring tightness. However, the severity of the injury is unknown at this stage.
Preparing for the worst, Canterbury Bulldogs star Matt Burton has been re-called into the squad by Michael Maguire as 18th man.
After appearing in last year's final match of the series, Best was recalled into the squad for Game 3 of the 2024 State of Origin series after it was revealed that Latrell Mitchell had sustained a foot injury on the weekend.
Mitchell had originally replacedย 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 dropย Haumole Olakau'atu.
Theย 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 partnerย Hudson Young, has been cut for the decider withย Mitchell Barnettย to come into the side.
The explosiveย New Zealand Warriorsย forward, who can play either in the middle or on the edge, will add plenty of starch to aย Blues' bench that will again featureย Connor Watson,ย Isaah Yeoย andย Spencer Leniu.
Game 3 of the 2024 State of Origin series will be played at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 17, with kick-off set for 8:05pm (AEST).
NSW Blues team for State of Origin Game 3
1.ย Dylan Edwardsย (Penrith Panthers)
2.ย Brian To'oย (Penrith Panthers)
3.ย Bradman Bestย (Newcastle Knights)
4.ย Stephen Crichtonย (Canterbury Bulldogs)
5.ย Zac Lomaxย (St George Illawarra Dragons)
6.ย Jarome Luaiย (Penrith Panthers)
7.ย Mitchell Mosesย (Parramatta Eels)
8.ย Jake Trbojevicย (c,ย Manly Sea Eagles)
9.ย Reece Robsonย (Sydney Roosters)
10.ย Payne Haasย (Brisbane Broncos)
11.ย Liam Martinย (Penrith Panthers)
12.ย Angus Crichtonย (Sydney Roosters)
13.ย Cameron Murrayย (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Interchange
14.ย Connor Watsonย (Sydney Roosters)
15.ย Isaah Yeoย (Penrith Panthers)
16.ย Mitchell Barnettย (New Zealand Warriors)
17.ย Spencer Leniuย (Sydney Roosters)
Coach:ย Michael Maguire