State of Origin 2015 game three: Billy Slater live blog ahead of series decider

INJURED Queensland fullback Billy Slater says Mitchell Pearce will be the Maroons greatest threat as they attempt to regain the Origin Shield on Wednesday.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26: Mitchell Pearce of the Blues and Billy Slater of the Maroons grapple during game two of the ARL State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 26, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

INJURED Queensland fullback Billy Slater joined the Daily Telegraph for an exclusive web chat and gave his thoughts on how the Maroons can clinch the State of Origin decider at Suncorp on Wednesday night.

Slater believes heavily scrutinised Blues five eighth Mitchell Pearce will be the Maroons greatest threat as they attempt to regain the coveted Shield that currently resides on NSW grounds.

Despite relentless criticism surrounding his place in the Blues side, Pearce has more than proven he belongs in rugby league’s biggest arena over the opening two games, a belief reinforced by Slater.

When asked who the Maroons will be most concerned about in Game 3, Slater said: ”Mitchell Pearce. If he plays well and kicks really well he can put NSW in a position to be extremely competitive.”

Billy Slater believes Mitchell Pearce will be the Maroons biggest threat in game 3

When asked how the homeside will approach Wednesday’s clash, Slater believes the fundamentals that the Maroons failed to execute in game two could be key to victory.

“I think we need to hold the ball a little bit better than we did in game 2 and put the Blues under pressure more.

“If we do that we’ll have a better chance of winning.”

In terms of how his side can counteract the roll on of the Blues’ ferocious forward pack, Slater maintained the answer was simplicity

“Again, if we hold the ball and make them defend more they won’t have as much juice in their go forward.”

Having missed game 2 through injury, Cooper Cronk is welcomed back into the Maroons’ squad for the decider - an addition Slater said would prove significant.

“He (Cronk) will be a huge inclusion for Qld, he brings direction and a direct style of play and such a precise kicking game. Playing alongside him gives you confidence.”

Josh Dugan v Greg Inglis is set to be the highlight battle of the Origin decider

With plenty of hype surrounding the Klemmer v Papalii battle, Slater believes it will be the clash of the fullbacks that will set Suncorp Stadium alight.

“I think the Dugan v Inglis battle is one that’s crept under the radar,” he said.

Come Wednesday night, Slater will be in the stands at Suncorp Stadium watching on as Cameron Smith leads Queensland out in his record equalling 36th appearance. As speculation surrounds the skipper’s representative future, Slater is under no disillusionment as to who he believes should lead the Maroons after Smith’s retirement.

“I think Greg Inglis will still be around and would be worthy of the captaincy. “

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RE-READ BILLY SLATER’S LIVE Q&A BELOW

Originally published as State of Origin 2015 game three: Billy Slater live blog ahead of series decider