State of Origin 2025 Game 3: where the series decider will be won and lost | Jack Snape

From the huge decision to bring Josh Papalii out of Origin retirement to a titanic tussle in the centres, the series finale in Sydney promises intrigue

They have been outplayed for much of this year's State of Origin series, written off and then almost snuffed out at the end of Perth's dramatic Game 2. But Queensland are primed for another doubt-them-at-your-peril Maroons miracle in the shield-deciding match on Wednesday at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

While the Blues are settled going into the much-anticipated clash, Queensland coach Billy Slater has made changes by both necessity and conviction. His side may have held on at the death to win the last contest 26-24, but their performance still prompted the former fullback to press the big maroon button: the break-glass-in-emergency, call-up-a-great-for-one-last-time selection shock.