North Queensland Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai and Brisbane Broncos captain Pat Carrigan have been recalled as Queensland coach Billy Slater confirmed his 20-man squad for next week’s State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Slater has retained the same starting side that dismantled New South Wales in Melbourne to level the series, with the only changes coming among his extended squad.
Carrigan returns after missing Game Two following ankle surgery, while Nanai earns a recall after producing a standout performance in the Cowboys’ upset victory over Penrith on Saturday night.
The pair replace Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins, who is unavailable after suffering a concussion, and Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
Canberra Raiders enforcer Corey Horsburgh has also been added to the squad as the 20th man.
Carrigan has not played since injuring his ankle against St George Illawarra in late May and undergoing surgery, but has recovered in time to be available for the deciding match.
Cowboys back-rower Jeremiah Nanai forced his way back into the Maroons squad with an outstanding performance against the Penrith Panthers
Pat Carrigan returns for Queensland after recovering from ankle surgery ahead of the State of Origin series decider at home
The Broncos have not won a game since his injury, underlining the importance of the Queensland lock to both club and state.
Nanai’s return completes a remarkable turnaround after shoulder problems restricted him to just four NRL appearances before his comeback.
The 23-year-old announced himself as an Origin contender again with a dominant display against the Panthers, scoring two tries, running for 100 metres and helping spark an early confrontation after forcing an error from Moses Leota.
Queensland have again resisted calls to elevate Reece Walsh into the starting side, with the Broncos fullback remaining in the extended squad after not taking the field during Game Two despite being named on the bench.
Former New South Wales coach Brad Fittler backed Laurie Daley’s decision to axe Brian To’o in favour of Dolphins flyer Jack Bostock, pointing to the Penrith winger’s recent struggles under the high ball.
‘Over the last couple of weeks, they’ve got to Brian with some high-balls, not only the Cowboys on the weekend but Origin two,’ Fittler said on Nine’s Today.
‘The good thing about Jack is it’s his home ground [Suncorp Stadium] and I know he hasn’t played Origin before … but he knows the stadium well.’
Fittler also welcomed the return of Penrith back-rower Liam Martin.
Brian To’o was sensationally dropped despite playing 17 consecutive State of Origin matches since making his Blues debut in 2021
Liam Martin returns from injury to bolster New South Wales’ forward pack for the State of Origin decider at Suncorp
‘The other one is Liam Martin coming back into the team, he’s a real enforcer and I think between him and Haumole [Olakau’atu], hopefully they can take some energy out of Cameron Munster,’ he said.
Daley admitted dropping To’o was one of the toughest calls of his coaching tenure.
‘Difficult decision,’ Daley said.
‘Bizza has been one of my personal favourites and someone that has been the Brad Fittler Medal winner and he was that last year.
‘He’s given great service to NSW and I’m sure he will be back, but just for this game we feel like we needed to make that change.
‘Jack’s a young man and gets his opportunity and we expected him to play well.’
The Maroons will attempt to claim the shield on home soil when the series decider is played at Suncorp Stadium on July 8.
Queensland 20-man squad:
Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jojo Fifita, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker, Tom Flegler, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Briton Nikora, Kurt Capewell, Reuben Cotter, Max Plath, Pat Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai, Trent Loiero, Reece Walsh, Murray Taulagi and Corey Horsburgh.
NSW 20-man squad:
James Tedesco, Jack Bostock, Bradman Best, Stephen Crichton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, Reece Robson, Mitch Barnett, Hudson Young, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Cameron Murray, Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumole Olakau’atu, Blayke Brailey, Ethan Strange, Tolu Koula and Victor Radley.
