State of Origin 2018: Maroons face the axe if they fall to series sweep at Suncorp Stadium

THE last time Queensland lost State of Origin 3-0, the Maroons swept a broom through their set-up, sacking 12 players. Lose on Wednesday night and the current crop could face the same fate.

MAROONS hierarchy have warned Queensland stars heads could roll if they crash to a humiliating 3-0 series defeat in Origin III.

Queensland selector Darren Lockyer said Origin jumpers are on the line on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium as the Maroons fight to avert their first Blue rinse in 18 years.

History shows Origin series sweeps lead to carnage at the selection table.

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Cherry-Evans and McCullough are both under the pump. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

The last time Queensland lost 3-0 in 2000, the Maroons swept a broom through their set-up, sacking 12 players, plus coach Mark Murray, whose successor Wayne Bennett presided over a new era the following season.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters has overseen a regeneration of the side over the past 12 months and has shown he is not afraid to wield the axe in the pursuit of success.

As many as 10 Queensland players are playing for their futures, including Will Chambers, Corey Oates, Daly Cherry-Evans, Andrew McCullough, Gavin Cooper, Felise Kaufusi, Jarrod Wallace, Coen Hess, Ben Hunt and Tim Glasby.

Ben Hunt definitely knows what’s at stake. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Lockyer, a survivor of the 2000 squad that was embarrassed by the Blues, says performances in Origin III will be remembered at the selection table next season.

“It’s important the Queensland players realise they are playing for their spots,” Lockyer said.

“I know the next series is 12 months away but what you do with the jersey always resonates with the coach. Some guys will want to show pride in their performance (in Origin III) not only for their families but for their positions in the team as well.

“I don’t think we need to panic and start again. But certainly some tweaks to the side can help Queensland rise again and challenge for the Shield next year.”

Will Slater go out on a high? (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Cooper, who turns 33 next month, is no certainty to return next season, while Titans front-rower Wallace is under pressure to prove his Origin bona fides after running for 43 and 44 metres in the opening two games.

Game One debutants McCullough and Kaufusi have yet to taste a win in the Origin arena. Hess’ club form for the Cowboys has been erratic, while Chambers has been emphatically outpointed by NSW centre opposite Latrell Mitchell in this series.

New skipper Billy Slater, who plays his 31st and final Origin game, says it’s critical that Queensland’s Generation Next make a statement in the Suncorp dead rubber.

“It’s as important as any other game,” he said.

“I know the series isn’t on the line anymore and NSW have wrapped it up and fully deserve it.

“But we are playing for Queensland jumpers, we lost the series and it’s important to gain momentum to go into next year and get that winning feeling for these boys.”

Maroons prop Glasby admits no one can take their Origin jumper for granted.

“There’s nothing given here, there never is,” he said.

“There’s a couple of other young guys knocking on the door.

“The guys who will be performing are the guys who will get the nod for the next series.”