Queensland head home to Suncorp Stadium with the opportunity to claim their third successive State of Origin shield with a victory over New South Wales in Game III.
The Maroons swept to a 38-10 win in the opening match, only to come unstuck in the second instalment when a rejuvenated Blues outfit ran riot at the MCG to force a decider.
The 38-18 defeat forced Billy Slater onto the backfoot as he was asked to explain his decision to leave out David Fifita and Selwyn Cobbo.
With Xavier Coates suffering a hamstring injury after backing up for Melbourne, the Brisbane flyer has earned a recall.
However, Fifita’s exile has continued with the star backrower being overlooked once again despite playing in all three matches for the Maroons in 2023.
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Why was David Fifita not picked by Queensland Maroons for State of Origin Game 3?
"I've got no doubt that Dave will get back to the footy he played last year, and I'm sure he will wear a Maroons jersey in the future again," Slater said after snubbing the Gold Coast star in Game I.
"Dave created a really high standard for his footy last year and he just hasn’t quite got to that standard this year."
Jeremiah Nanai and Jaydn Su'a were preferred in the back-row and following their big win in enemy territory, Slater continued with this combination for Game II.
Veteran duo Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Capewell were also added to the bench rotation at the 'G, while forwards Brendan Piakura, Heilum Luki and Trent Loiero were included in the extended squads.
Fifita had played a starring role for the Titans ahead of Game I selection when he blitzed the Broncos in Round 12, but it wasn’t enough to force his way into calculations for the Maroons.
An unfortunately timed ankle injury then saw him miss out on the chance to impress in the final round before selection for Game II.
Although on his return to action, he was at his rampaging best as Des Hasler’s side demolished the New Zealand Warriors 66-6.
"David Fifita has been in the conversation for every Origin game, including the first one," Slater said on Channel Nine.
"He had a bit of a chequered start to the season with a pec injury. He has been playing some great footy and those conversations will happen."
The injury-enforced absences of Tom Flegler and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui were sorely felt in Game II with the QLD pack unable to handle the power and intensity of a desperate NSW side.
Payne Haas enjoyed his best game in a Blues jersey to date as he laid the platform through the middle, while he was supported by the likes of Cameron Murray, Angus Crichton and Spencer Leniu.
Billy Slater explains David Fifita omission for State of Origin decider
Despite plenty of support for Fifita's recall, Slater has stuck strongly in his belief that his performances haven't been up to scratch.
"Dave was a serious consideration but we feel that the 17 players that have been chosen are the 17 players that have earned the opportunity to be here," the coach said from within camp.
"All Queenslanders are considered, and Dave is a name that has been in conversation for all of the games."
Slater once again pointed to Fifita's injury-interrupted pre-season as a main reason for why he wasn't being selected.
"He started the season a bit behind the eight-ball and he's still working his way back to the standard that he created for himself last year," Slater said. "I'm sure he'd be the first to admit that."
Su'A has been dropped entirely from the squad despite starting the first two games with Capewell drafted into the back-row after coming off the bench in Game II.
Meanwhile, Loiero and Piakura have once again been named in the extended squad.
"Ultimately, this is the 17 that we feel is the right 17 for the game next week," Slater added.
