Queensland has recalled Newcastle stars Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai for the State of Origin decider at Lang Park next week, while NSW has started its camp with a minor injury concern for Bradman Best.

Incumbent Queensland wingers Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi were both ruled out with hamstring complaints, which also made way for Selwyn Cobbo to return after missing Game II.

Cobbo and fellow centre Valentine Holmes will shift to the wings, making way for 33-year-old Gagai to return to the Origin arena at centre alongside Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

It will be the first Origin since the 2022 decider for Gagai and Ponga, who was named on the bench for this year's Game III.

Ponga was player of the match at fullback in his last outing as the Maroons bounced back from a big second-game defeat to take the series at Lang Park, just as they are trying to do this time around.

The Dally M medallist sat out the 2023 series over concussion concerns and missed the first two games this year with a foot injury, but returned in fine form as the Knights beat Canberra 16-12 on Sunday.

Maroons coach Billy Slater said it was a luxury to bring in three fresh faces with 38 games of Origin experience between them for the decider, but the team needs to improve on the field if it wants to rebound from the 38-18 demolition in Melbourne.

"The changes personnel-wise aren't gonna fix what happened in Game II," Slater said.

Back rower Jaydn Su'A, who played the opening two games of the series, was dropped for the decider, Slater elevating Kurt Capewell from the bench to a starting role rather than recalling damaging Gold Coast Titan David Fifita, who has been one of the most surprising omissions from the series.

"Dave was a serious consideration, but we feel the 17 players that have been chosen are the 17 players that have earned the opportunity to be here," Slater said.