Kalyn Ponga's return is the big news out of the team announcements for the final State of Origin game of 2021.
With the series wrapped up and Ponga just one game back from a long injury layoff, many had thought that Queensland coach Paul Green might leave the Newcastle fullback out, but he has been given the number one jersey ahead of a game that might yet be played at his home ground.
The other big in is Cowboys centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who will make his debut in a fully rejigged backline. Kurt Capewell reverts to his more familiar position in the back row and Val Holmes shunts from fullback to a wing, replacing Kyle Feldt who misses out completely. Dane Gagai and Xavier Coates retain their places.
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Andrew McCullough, drafted into the 9 jersey for Game 2, is out again, with Ben Hunt starting in his stead. AJ Brimson returns as bench utility. Thomas Flegler and Kurt Mann are drafted in as reserves, with Francis Molo, the debutant from Game 2, also moved back to the standby list.
New South Wales has made a few injury-enforced changes. Both halfback, Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, will sit the game out. Jack Wighton is elevated from 14 to starting 6, with Eels halfback Mitchell Moses given the start.
Newcastle front-rower Daniel Saifiti is out with a rib injury, with Dale Finucane elevated in his stead.
Api Koroisau, 18th man in Games 1 and 2, will get a run from the bench. Beyond him, Stefano Utoikamanu, not yet 20 games into his NRL career, is in the reserves, along with Moses' teammate Clint Gutherson.
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