The major talking point before next Wednesday’s Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium will be how Queensland respond to the Blues’ aggression.
The Maroons won game one 38-10 against NSW’s 12 men. The Blues triumphed 38-18 at the MCG.
NSW’s game three Origin squad
- Dylan Edwards (Panthers)
- Brian To’o (Panthers)
- Bradman Best (Knights)
- Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)
- Zac Lomax (Dragons)
- Jarome Luai (Panthers)
- Mitchell Moses (Eels)
- Jake Trbojevic (c, Sea Eagles)
- Reece Robson (Cowboys)
- Payne Haas (Broncos)
- Liam Martin (Panthers)
- Angus Crichton (Roosters)
- Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs)
- Connor Watson (Roosters)
- Isaah Yeo (Panthers)
- Mitchell Barnett (Warriors)
- Spencer Leniu (Roosters)
- Matt Burton (Bulldogs)
The loss of Mitchell to a foot injury is a huge blow to NSW because of his aggression and intimidation factor.
Maguire selected Newcastle’s Bradman Best over Joseph Suaalii to replace Mitchell. Best pulled up with hamstring tightness after Newcastle’s win over Canberra on Sunday and went for precautionary scans, but is expected to be fit.
Suaalii, who knocked out Walsh in game one and was suspended for four games, would have been targeted by the Maroons – and their fans – had he been selected for game three.
But Maguire said that had nothing to do with his selection.
“Knowing Joey, that [hostile reception] wouldn’t have been relevant at all,” Maguire said.
“For a young man, the way he conducts himself and handles himself, he’s top notch. He will have a massive future moving forward.
“We saw what Bradman did in game three last year, and he has probably found himself back in that same form. He’s a big body, strong and quick and good on his feet. I also like what he’s been doing defensively. Bradman will bring what Bradman brings.”
The only other change for NSW is Warrior Mitch Barnett being called into the side for Manly’s Haumole Olakau’atu.
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When Barnett entered camp for game one as part of an extended bench, he revealed his favourite Origin memory was the “left right, good night” moment involving former NSW captain Paul Gallen knocking out Queensland’s Nate Myles in 2013.
“The way Mitch has been playing the past month, you can’t ignore it,” Maguire said.
“I did say I would pick on form. I’m not saying Haumole has been dropped on form, but Mitch has raised the bar in what he wants to do in his game.
“And every training session [with NSW], he has been at his best.”
The Blues have added Matt Burton as 18th man, with Olakau’atu and Luke Keary to complete the extended squad.
They will return to their Blues Mountains base before heading to Brisbane on Sunday as they try to win their first decider in Queensland since 2005.
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