The Blues were demolished after half-time by Queensland at the MCG with Daley publicly questioning the spirit and will of his squad "to go out and make history" afterwards, and with the 56-year-old widely expected to step down at the conclusion of the 2026 series, Game III in Brisbane could be a result that defines Daley's Origin legacy.
22-year-old Dolphins centre Jack Bostock is set for an Origin debut after being promoted straight to starting winger in place of Brian To'o, whilst their two starting centres from Game 2, Kotoni Staggs and Tolutau Koula, were both dropped for very sloppy performances in Melbourne.
Staggs has been replaced by Newcastle's Bradman Best, whilst Bulldog centre Stephen Crichton reclaims his spot in the centres having himself been omitted for Koula ahead of Game 2.
Bostock had a delayed start to his 2026 season due to injury but came out of the blocks flying with four tries in his first three games of 2026.
Daley described To'o as "a great servant to New South Wales" and his omission as "a difficult decision ... but one we felt we had to make".
"I'm sure he'll be back," Daley added.
Queensland did not name a starting 13 when announcing their 20-man squad on Monday morning, but his squad is arguably even stronger following the returns of Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai from injuries since Game 2.
Carrigan will make a surprise return just five weeks after undergoing ankle surgery.
“It was welcome news for myself over the weekend learning that Pat was available," Slater said during the team announcement.
“Anyone that knows Pat Carrigan knows that he leaves no stone unturned in his preparation, whether he’s injured or not. He’s done really well with his rehab.
“If he wasn’t in this team, he’d be looking to play for the (Brisbane) Broncos this weekend, so that's where he sits.”
Roosters forward Lindsay Collins was a star performer of Game 2 in Melbourne, even crossing the line during the second-half rout, but he has been made unavailable as a result of entering the 11-day concussion protocols following a hit at the weekend.
Raiders forward Corey Horsburgh comes into the frame for his first Origin appearance since 2023 as a result, whilst Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Heilum Luki have been omitted. Luki was an unused reserve in Game 2.
Game 3 Origin squads:
New South Wales: Jack Bostock, Bradman Best, Stephen Crichton and Liam Martin are in for Brian To'o, Kotoni Staggs, Dylan Lucas and Toluta'u Koula.
1. James Tedesco 2. Jack Bostock 3. Bradman Best 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo
(Bench: 14. Cameron Murray 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. Haumole Olakau'atu 17. Blayke Brailey 18. Ethan Strange 19. Tolutau Koula)
(Reserve: 20. Victor Radley)
Queensland: Pat Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai and Corey Horsburgh are in for Lindsay Collins, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Heilum Luki.
Kurt Capewell (Warriors), Pat Carrigan (Broncos), Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans), Jojo Fifita (Titans), Thomas Flegler (Dolphins), Harry Grant (Storm), Corey Horsburgh (Raiders), Trent Loiero (Storm), Cameron Munster (c) (Storm), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Max Plath (Dolphins), Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Murray Taulagi (Cowboys), Robert Toia (Roosters), Sam Walker (Roosters), Reece Walsh (Broncos)
Aaron has been writing for Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open tennis, NRL State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on either X or LinkedIn.
