Matters of State: What changes will we see for Game Three?

While Maguire is far more likely to opt for an unchanged side than any late switches, the same cannot be said for Maroons coach Billy Slater, whose "we're still Queenslanders" line when asked what changed he'd consider for Game Three emerged as one of the biggest talking points from the MCG defeat. 

His response – no doubt cryptic and vague – was perhaps more intended for Queensland fans wondering what had gone so badly wrong in Melbourne and what he was going to do about it, rather than a direct reflection of his selection plans, but still raised the question as to what the side for Game Three will be.

His line – “we're still Queenslanders” – implies he will give the players who are no doubt disappointed in their own performances a chance to redeem themselves and reiterated his belief that anyone he picks will do a job.

That comment opens the door for the likes of Valentine Holmes to make amends for his tough outing in Game Two, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – who injured his shoulder against the Blues – is also expected to be fit to play in news that will alleviate some of Slater’s injury concerns.

There are some forced changes that will need to be made, however, with the Melbourne Storm confirming winger Xavier Coates will spend the next six-to-eight weeks on the sidelines with a low-grade hamstring tear.

Selwyn Cobbo, whose inclusion on the bench in Game One was classed as a coaching masterstroke, has declared his intention to make himself available for selection and performed well for the Broncos in a defeat to the Warriors last week.

The Cherbourg junior is likely to slot back into the squad with Coates out given he can play anywhere along the backline while Dane Gagai, who was 18th player in Game Two, is another who has done the job for Queensland in the past and could come in at centre and shift Holmes out on to the wing.

Since the defeat, there are plenty of suggestions about additional changes that the Maroons could make to counter the impact of New South Wales and their attacking left edge, including picking David Fifita who has been in devastating form of late since coming back from pectoral and ankle injuries. 

Slater's comments to Channel Nine prior to Round 17 highlighted that the Titans forward was well and truly in the mix for a potential return to the Origin arena, despite being overlooked for the likes of Jaydn Su'A and Kurt Capewell.

“David Fifita has been in the conversation for every Origin game including the first one,’’ Slater said on Channel Nine's coverage.

"He had a bit of a chequered start to the season... but has been playing some great footy and those conversations will happen next Sunday."

Another player whose injuries this season have played havoc with his Origin chances is AJ Brimson. Brimson is tipped to return to the field this week against the Sharks and could make a play for the bench spot with his utility value, having shown himself capable on the Origin stage after featuring in Game Three last year.

On the back foot before the series even started in terms of forward selection with long-term injuries to walk-up starts Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Tom Gilbert and Tom Flegler, the Maroons have been further stung by the injury to J'maine Hopgood who is out for least three months due to back surgery and also concerns over the fitness of Rabbitohs enforcer Jai Arrow who has battled a shoulder complaint. 

While Slater will have faith in his side to bounce back in front of a home crowd at Suncorp Stadium, they will need to step up quick-smart to counter a confident Blues outfit looking to make history. 

The Blues will name their side for Game Three on Sunday night, July 7 while the Maroons will announce their side on the morning of Monday, July 8.