State of Origin 3: Our experts give their verdict on result, man of match, first try scorer

Don’t believe anyone who tells you this is a dead rubber. There’s plenty on the line, including Freddy Fittler’s job, and now our experts have had their say.

State of Origin 3 is here and our experts have dropped their tips.

Maroons sweep or will New South Wales salvage some pride?

Don’t believe anyone who tells you the third State of Origin game is a dead rubber.

Brad Fittler could be coaching his last game for New South Wales and several Blues stalwarts might be playing for their Origin careers.

If Billy Slater’s Maroons claim a 3-0 series win for the first time in more than a decade, the ramifications will be long-lasting for the Blues.

Can Freddy and James Tedesco rally their troops?

Follow our live coverage below.

EXPERT TIPS FOR ORIGIN 3

DEAN RITCHIE

Result: Queensland by 12

Why: A bashed-up NSW side is playing without confidence against a Maroons side full of cockiness and power.

Man of the match: Daly Cherry-Evans

First try: AJ Brimson

TRAVIS MEYN

Result: Queensland by 6

Why: This Queensland team is dialled in and have developed a close bond over the past few years while the Blues are all at sea. It’s a great opportunity for a Maroons whitewash.

Man of the match: Cameron Munster

First try: Xavier Coates

State of Origin 3 is here and our experts have dropped their tips.

PHIL ROTHFIELD

Result: NSW by 12

Why: Surely the Maroons will be down on hunger now the series is already in the bag while the Blues are playing for pride and will turn up with their A game.

Man of the match: Mitchell Moses

First try: Josh Addo-Carr

FATIMA KDOUH

Result: NSW by 8

Why: The series is over for NSW but every player in Blue is playing for their future. That is more than enough motivation to get the job done.

Man of the match: Cody Walker

First try: Bradman Best

PAUL CRAWLEY

Result: Queensland by 14

Why: The Blues have left their run too late with all the changes for game three. Queensland should wrap it up 3-0.

Man of the match: Cameron Munster

First try: Xavier Coates

TYSON JACKSON

Result: NSW by 8

Why: The Blues have thrown a completely different picture at the Maroons with nothing to lose making them the most dangerous they have been all series.

Man of the match: James Tedesco

First try: Liam Martin

BRENT READ

Result: Queensland by 12

Why: The Maroons are on a roll. They’re fired up about the clean sweep. Their spine will lead them to victory.

Man of the match: Cameron Munster

First try: David Fifita

DAVID RICCIO

Result: NSW by 4

Why: Cody Walker, Jake Trbojevic and Reagan Campbell-Gillard back in Blue and Cam Murray at 13, it’s NSW’s best line-up of the series.

Man of the match: Cody Walker

First try: Bradman Best

MICHAEL CARAYANNIS

Result: NSW by 10

Why: Saving face and saving Brad Fittler’s NSW coaching job with a strong performance against a flat Queensland team.

Man of the match: Cameron Murray

First try: Cody Walker

PAMELA WHALEY

Result: Queensland by 2

Why: Billy Slater’s Queensland juggernaut will just keep rolling on. At this point it’s hard to imagine NSW being able to stop them.

Man of the match: Daly Cherry-Evans

First try: Valentine Holmes

PETER BADEL

Result: Queensland by 10

Why: The Blues are a selection rabble. Complacency won’t be an issue for the Maroons, whose spine will seal a 3-0 sweep.

Man of the match: Harry Grant

First try: AJ Brimson