State of Origin: Game 3 key battles, players for NSW vs. QLD

Joshua Mayne

State of Origin: Game 3 key battles, players for NSW vs. QLD image

Queensland have already etched their name on the State of Origin shield for 2023, but we still have a third game to play on Wednesday.

The Maroons have been relentless in the opening two matches and will be looking to secure a 3-0 series result at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

For the Blues, coach Brad Fittler has made a number of changes as New South Wales fight to avoid the dreaded whitewash.

Here are the key battles that could decide State of Origin Game III.

NSW's defence vs. Queensland's outside backs

One quick glance at the scorecard from Game 2 and it's clear that the Maroons' outside backs wreaked havoc on the Blues.

Both wingers - Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi - and both centres - Valentine Holmes and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - found the line last time out as Queensland poured the points on their interstate rivals.

There were plenty of factors that contributed to NSW's heavy loss at Suncorp, but they were generally out-muscled, out-jumped and out-worked close to the try line.

Whether or not Fittler's side can keep some clamps on Queensland's set of outside backs will be crucial in Game 3.

In particular, Origin rookie Bradman Best will have his hands full on the left edge - an area the Maroons have dominated in this series.

James Tedesco vs. AJ Brimson

It hasn't exactly been a series for James Tedesco to remember, but he will be out to prove why he's one of the game's best fullbacks on Wednesday night.

He was his typical metre-eating and hard-working self in Games 1 and 2 but was heavily criticised for his defensive lapses.

If he stays sharp and returns to the level we all know he's capable of, that will go a long way to helping the Blues avoid a series whitewash.

MORE: State of Origin Game III: Betting preview

At the other end of the field, AJ Brimson lines up to make for an intriguing fullback battle.

The Titans No. 1 has had an interrupted season due to injury but has been given the nod by Billy Slater.

Is he as explosive and electric as the suspended Reece Walsh? Maybe not.

But he's a strong option nevertheless, and it will be interesting to see how he stacks up against a veteran like Tedesco.

NSW's pride vs. Queensland's aggression 

Queensland may have wrapped up the series, but there is still something for both sides to play for.

The Maroons last claimed a whitewash in 2010 and will be pushing to secure that elusive 3-0 result again. 

If their aggressive performances in the first two games are anything to go by, we can expect a full-throttle showing in Sydney. 

In their way, however, will be a Blues side fighting for pride.

On paper, Queensland have the superior side heading into Wednesday night, but New South Wales will be desperate to avoid defeat on their home patch.

Will the motivation of dodging a clean sweep by their fiercest rivals be enough? We'll have to wait and see.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.