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Everything You Need To Know About State Of Origin Game 3

Everything You Need To Know About State Of Origin Game 3

The series might not be on the line, but NSW haven't whitewashed WLD since 2000. There's no such thing as dead rubber in Origin...

Mike Wood

Mike Wood

It's Game 3, the last dance of State of Origin 2021 and, while the series might be locked up for New South Wales, the game on Wednesday night is still packed with narrative.

I can see your eyes rolling now, but trust me.

New South Wales haven't secured a whitewash since 2000, when Xavier Coates wasn't even born.

TEAM NEWS: Blues And Maroons Announce Their Line-Ups For Game 3

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If you think that doesn't matter to the Blues, then I don't know what to tell you. It does matter.

They're going for the all-time margin record too, and with it the opportunity to rub Queensland noses in it like never before.

On the other side, there's the clear and obvious motivation of not letting either of those two things happen, allied to the general playing for pride aspect: normally playing for pride is what you tell a 9-year-old ahead of the last game of the kiddies' carnival when they've been pumped in every game so far, but in Origin, it matters.

With that in mind, here's everything you need to know ahead of the showdown on Wednesday...

Where?

For the first time ever, we're going to the Gold Coast. One of the strange benefits of this COVID-impacted Origin is that regional Australia has been able to host showpiece games, and this time it will be the Gold Coast that gets the go.

For the rest of us, it's Channel Nine again.

Who?

There's been some big changes for Game 3, on both sides. Queensland have recalled Kayln Ponga, playing on home turf, and will give a debut to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres.

New South Wales managed to lose both their halves in the period between Games 2 and 3, so will debut Mitchell Moses in the 7 jumper and promote Jack Wighton from the bench to starting five eight.

When?

Wednesday night, 8.10. Alright, no Origin has actually started on time but that's what they're telling everyone.

Tune in for whoever they get for the pre-match show: The Veronicas were there for Game 1 in Townsville...nSilverchair are from Newcastle, so they're my best bet.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]