Gavin Cooper is a shock inclusion into Queensland’s team for State of Origin III, the North Queensland back-rower to replace injured Josh Papalii in the Maroons side.
North Queensland’s Cooper will debut in the dead rubber while veteran Nate Myles has been recalled to an extended squad in place of utility Michael Morgan (knee).
Myles missed game two with a knee injury but coach Kevin Walters says he’ll be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.
Qld: Cameron Smith (capt), Darius Boyd, Gavin Cooper, Cooper Cronk, Dane Gagai, Matt Gillett, Aidan Guerra, Greg Inglis, Jacob Lillyman, Josh McGuire, Nate Myles, Corey Oates, Justin O’Neill, Corey Parker, Matt Scott, Sam Thaiday, Johnathan Thurston.