St George Illawarra forward Jaydn Su'A is set to run out with a point to prove for the Dragons on Saturday night after his omission from the Maroons team for next week's decider.
Queensland coach Billy Slater cited an injury as the reason he overlooked the edge forward for Game Three, however the Dragons have no such fears for their star back-rower.
Su'A has been carrying a quad complaint in recent weeks and was sent for scans on Monday night. The results cleared him of a tear and he has been named to start in this weekend's clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan was disappointed Su'A was not selected for the State of Origin decider but hopes the Dragons will ultimately be the beneficiaries of Slater's decision as they look to bounce back from a 42-12 loss to the Roosters.
"It's very disappointing," Flanagan told pan66.com. "He got back to where he wants to be and played in the first two games. Unfortunately they lost Game Two and Billy was looking for a change. Jaydn will bounce back from this.
"It's a positive for [the Dragons]. He's fit and healthy, he's extra motivated and we have an Origin player available during the Origin period."
Match: Broncos v Dragons
Round 19 -
home Team
Broncos
12th Position
away Team
Dragons
9th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
While the Dragons have Su'A on deck for Saturday's clash, they have been hit hard by Origin selections with halfback Ben Hunt lining up for Queensland and winger Zac Lomax starting for the Blues.
Flanagan has turned to Jesse Marschke to wear the No.7 jumper, with Mikaele Ravalawa named to play his first NRL game since Round 12 after being selected on the wing for Saturday's clash with Brisbane.
Marschke has impressed in NSW Cup in recent years but has received few opportunities in first grade. The 27-year-old made his NRL debut in Round 3 and led the Dragons to a victory over Penrith while Hunt was on Queensland duties in Round 13.
There have been a host of changes across the competition this week, with Origin players unavailable for selection.
Brisbane have lost four players for the Dragons clash, with Tristan Sailor lining up at fullback as Reece Walsh's replacement. Tyson Smoothy and Xavier Willison have also been named to start, with Kotoni Staggs returning from personal leave in the centres.
The Knights have a new-look backline for Sunday's clash with Manly after Bradman Best, Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai were picked in next week's decider. The loss of Enari Tuala to a calf injury is another blow, with Krystian Mapapalangi selected on the wing.
The Sea Eagles have also made a host of changes, with Tom Trbojevic returning to fullback after a week in the centres following Tolu Koula's knee injury. Jamie Humphreys steps in at halfback to replace Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, with Karl Lawton and Nathan Brown called up for Jake and Ben Trbojevic.
