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Top 10 players that could come in for Queensland in game three

Kevin Walters has some interesting decisions to make at the Maroons selection table.

Published by
Michael Ehmer

With the State of Origin series wrapped up by New South Wales in Game II, Queensland coach Kevin Walters will consider what changes he should make to his side for the final match.

There are plenty of options available to him and these are the ten that appear most likely.

Christian Welch

A solid and consistent player for the Storm, Christian Welch would not look out of place in a Maroons jersey. With a need for size and go-forward up front, Welch is certainly in the mix to make his debut in the final match of these series.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Christian Welch of the Storm is tackled during the round seven NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm at Lottoland on April 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Joe Ofahengaue

Joe Ofahengaue has enjoyed his best season in the NRL in 2018 and has been pushing hard for Queensland selection. Ofahengaue is another prop option for Walters and appears ready and willing to make his Origin debut.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Joe Ofahengaue of the Broncos passes the ball during the round 11 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium on May 19, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Moses Mbye

Before departing for the West Tigers, Moses Mbye showed he was still capable of delivering quality performances week in week out, even at a weaker team like the Bulldogs. Mbye would provide a versatile utility or backline option, should Walters decide to select him.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Moses Mbye of the Bulldogs is tackled by Lachlan Coote of the Cowboys during the round nine NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury Bulldogs at 1300SMILES Stadium on May 9, 2015 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Corey Oates

Another player that provides Walters with a solid backline option is Corey Oates. Oates has been in terrific form in 2018 and despite being unlikely to beat Valentine Holmes or Dane Gagai for a wing position, Oates has size and speed. This means Oates could play in the forwards if needed, and is likely to perform well wherever he is picked.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Corey Oates of the Broncos celebrates scoring a try with team mates during the round 15 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Brisbane Broncos at Southern Cross Group Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Aidan Guerra

With 10 State of Origin games under his belt, Aidan Guerra may deserve his recall in Game III of the series. Guerra was a part of a number of successful Origin campaigns for the Maroons, often as a starting forward, and given his quality performances for Newcastle in 2018, Queensland may need him back.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 03: Aidan Guerra of the Roosters runs at the defence during the round 13 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium on June 3, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Daly Cherry-Evans

Like Guerra, Daly Cherry-Evans is experienced in the Origin arena, having played six games for Queensland. When he is on song, Cherry-Evans is one of the best playmakers in the NRL, and could provide a quality utility option for the Maroons, as he has done in the past.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 09: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons makes a break for the Maroons opening try during game three of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on July 9, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Tim Glasby

Tim Glasby was added to the Queensland forward pack during the 2017 series and proved to have all the skills needed to be a strong addition for the Maroons. As 18th man in Game II in Sydney, it is clear that Glasby is not far off being recalled by Kevin Walters.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Tim Glasby during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at Suncorp Stadium on July 11, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Ash Taylor

Ash Taylor is without a doubt one of the most exciting young players in the NRL and it is only a matter of time until he represents the Maroons. The dead rubber match at Suncorp stadium presents Kevin Walters with a golden opportunity to introduce Taylor to the Origin arena.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Ashley Taylor of the Titans runs with the ball during the round one NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium on March 11, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

Jake Friend

With the series lost, Walters may choose to select a different hooker in Game III. Replacing Cameron Smith was always going to be a difficult task, and Jake Friend may provide the Queensland team with more inventive attack than Andrew McCullough while still being defensively strong.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 12: Jake Friend of the Roosters passes the ball out during the round 10 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Matt Scott

It was a tough call by Walters to leave Matt Scott out of Game II of the series, but he will struggle to overlook Scott for Game III. The powerful prop has played a whopping 22 games for the Maroons and has always stood up for the occasion; no doubt he will do so again if he is recalled.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Matthew Scott of the Cowboys looks on during the round four NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Penrith Panthers at 1300SMILES Stadium on March 29, 2018 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Published by
Michael Ehmer