Queensland coach Billy Slater makes drastic late team changes for State of Origin III

Queensland coach Billy Slater has made several late changes to his starting side for the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night in Brisbane.

Under heavy pressure following the shocking defeat to NSW three weeks ago, the Maroons refreshed the forward pack moments before kick-off.

Moeaki Fotuaika and Felise Kaufusi have been promoted to the starting side, with Jeremiah Nanai and Lindsay Collins moving to the bench.

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Harry Grant, who has not played a game since Origin II, has taken Ben Hunt’s place as the run-on hooker — the same move made last year when the final game was a dead rubber won by NSW.

The late changes come after former Blues firebrand Mark Carroll said after the MCG defeat that the Maroons’ pack as a collective “wouldn’t scare kids in a creche”.

“I’ve got so much confidence that all those things that are getting said are going to fire those boys up,” Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans said on Tuesday.

“They’re focused on what they need to do for us and all those words just add to your motivation as a player.

“I’m sure they’ll take that on board and use it accordingly.”

The Maroons have lost middle forwards Thomas Flegler, Tom Gilbert and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for this series due to injury but the likes of Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter and Pat Carrigan have all done the job in the previous two Origin series wins.

It is not just defence that will define the series result, but that will be a good start.

“When you have 34 points scored against you in a half of footy you probably should be working on defence, but it is the cycle of the game,” said Slater, while reflecting on game one.

“Attack well … and that helps your defence. We weren’t at our best down in Melbourne. We are the first to admit that and that is what we need to change.”

Former Maroons lock Corey Parker called for a more aggressive mindset from the forwards, asking them to “fire up”.

“It is a collective. It is a 17-man team game and everyone has got to do their job,” Slater said.

“We all missed our mark down in Melbourne. We understand that. We need to rise to the occasion. NSW were great.

“Their standard of football was far superior to us down in Melbourne and that is what we are going after, with the intent to be our best.”

Meanwhile, the Blues will go in 1-17 with captain Jake Trbojevic holding his starting spot as expected.

– with AAP