2020 State of Origin Game 3 – Queensland vs New South Wales Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Wednesday 18th November, 2020 – 09:10 (UK)
Where is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
What channel is Queensland vs New South Wales on? Sky Sports Arena
Where can I stream Queensland vs New South Wales? Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Queensland vs New South Wales? Click here for the latest ticket information on the State of Origin series
THE TEAM NEWS
QUEENSLAND
Starting 13: Allan, Holmes, Gagai, B. Lee, E. Lee, Munster, Cherry-Evans, Welch, Friend, Papalii, Capewell, Kaufusi, Fa’asuamaleaui – Interchanges: Su’A, Grant, Collins, Arrow – Reserves: Lui, Hunt
Unavailable: AJ Brimson (Injured), Xavier Coates (Injured)
- Queensland could not match their performance and subsequently the result of Game 1 as they were well-beaten in Game 2 of their State of Origin clash with New South Wales and they must now produce a much better display if they are to claim the series win.
- The Maroons were not helped by the extremely early loss of Cameron Munster who departed in the opening five minutes of last week's contest but the influential five-eighth has passed all of the necessary protocols and will take his place in the side for Game 3.
- After such a disappointing performance, it is little surprise that head coach Wayne Bennett has made some big changes with Corey Allan to debut at fullback with Valentine Holmes shifting to the wing in place of the dropped Philip Sami and there are debuts for Brenko Lee, Edrick Lee and Harry Grant with Christian Welch also returning from a head knock.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, Gutherson, Wighton, Addo-Carr, Walker, Cleary, Saifiti, Cook, Haas, Crichton, Frizell, Trbojevic – Interchanges: Finucane, Paulo, Brown, Yeo – Reserves: Papenhuyzen, McInnes
Unavailable: Boyd Cordner (Injured), Cameron Murray (Injured)
- New South Wales produced a dominant display as they overcame Queensland in Game 2 and they will now start as solid favourites in this deciding clash at Suncorp Stadium with the Blues looking for their third successive series win.
- History is against them on this ground having won just two of their last ten matches at Suncorp with their last four all ending in defeat, whilst they have also won just two of 11 deciding encounters at Lang Park.
- After such a well-rounded performance last week led by Nathan Cleary’s impressive kicking game which helped the Blues control the contest, head coach Brad Fittler has opted to stick with the same 17 but there could be a late change with Josh Addo-Carr a doubt with a toe injury.
THE PREDICTION
New South Wales were well-fancied to claim a 3-0 series whitewash in this year’s State of Origin but that has not been the case and there is still all to play for with Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium playing host to the series decider. NSW were far too good in Game 2 as they earned a comfortable success thanks to a much-improved display from Game 1 with the Blues completing at 89%, a far cry from 75% in the opener. They must overcome some long-standing issues at this ground if they are to claim the series with the Maroons hoping home advantage pays dividends. It would not be a total surprise if Wayne Bennett could mastermind an unlikely victory for the underdogs but the Blues look the superior side and they should be able to put some Suncorp demons to rest by claiming the win to retain their crown for a third straight year.
