Queensland selects debutant, announces changes for Game 3

After being destroyed in Game 2, Queensland has announced coach Billy Slater has been forced to make some big changes for the series decider.

Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans and Maroons head coach Billy Slater. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Queensland has selected Cowboys star Tom Gilbert to make his State of Origin debut.

The Maroons’ team was announced on Monday morning for the series decider at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.

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Gilbert has been selected on the bench after coach Billy Slater confirmed on Sunday enforcer Felise Kaufusi is unavailable for selection after he flew to the United States to deal with a private family matter surrounding the health of his father.

Slater also confirmed Titans star David Fifita would not be rushed back into the Maroons’ team.

Jeremiah Nanai has been promoted to the starting side.

The biggest news is that Kalyn Ponga has recovered from a concussion suffered in the Game 2 loss to NSW.

Cameron Munster will also play as he continues to nurse a shoulder complaint.

There were rumours star prop Josh Papalii and centre Dane Gagai were facing the axe, but Slater has stayed loyal to the two veterans.

Queensland team for State of Origin Game 3

Tom Gilbert of the Cowboys. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images.

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Valentine Holmes

4. Dane Gagai

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Cameron Munster

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Lindsay Collins

9. Ben Hunt

10. Josh Papalii

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Interchange: 14. Harry Grant, 15. Jai Arrow. 16. Patrick Carrigan, 17. Tom Gilbert

Extended squad: Thomas Flegler, Tom Dearden, Beau Fermor, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Sam Walker.