{"id":766637,"date":"2026-06-28T23:37:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T23:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/766637\/"},"modified":"2026-06-28T23:37:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T23:37:18","slug":"pat-carrigan-recalled-for-state-of-origin-iii-as-billy-slater-reveals-queensland-maroons-squad-for-decider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/766637\/","title":{"rendered":"Pat Carrigan recalled for State of Origin III as Billy Slater reveals Queensland Maroons squad for decider"},"content":{"rendered":"

Queensland coach Billy Slater has recalled Patrick Carrigan, who has not played a game since May, for State of Origin III as he named his squad for the decider at Lang Park.<\/p>\n

Carrigan suffered a syndesmosis ankle injury in round 13 that required surgery, which was supposed to sideline him for six weeks.<\/p>\n

He has not returned to the field for the Brisbane Broncos but Slater insisted “he’ll be right to play” Game III in nine days’ time, marking five-and-a-half weeks since the injury.<\/p>\n

“Anyone who knows Pat Carrigan knows he leaves no stone unturned in his preparation, whether he’s injured or not,” he said.<\/p>\n

“He’s done really well with his rehab. If Pat Carrigan wasn’t in this footy team he’d be looking to play for the Broncos this weekend.”<\/p>\n

Queensland State of Origin III squadKurt Capewell (Warriors)Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)*Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins)Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans)Jojo Fifita (Titans)Thomas Flegler (Dolphins)Harry Grant (Storm)Corey Horsburgh (Raiders)*Trent Loiero (Storm)Cameron Munster (Storm)Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)*Briton Nikora (Sharks)Max Plath (Dolphins)Kalyn Ponga (Knights)Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)Murray Taulagi (Cowboys)*Robert Toia (Roosters)Sam Walker (Roosters)Reece Walsh (Broncos)*<\/p>\n

* Did not play Origin II<\/p>\n

Slater said there was risk in picking Carrigan after more than a month off the field, but backed the middle forward to continue his rehab in camp and get ready for the game.<\/p>\n

The Maroons named a squad of 20 players rather than a team line-up, but Carrigan looks like to replace Lindsay Collins on the bench after the Roosters prop copped a head knock on Friday night.<\/p>\n

The decider would have been just outside the mandatory 11-day stand-down period for concussions, but Slater said Collins was “not quite right”.<\/p>\n

Blues sensationally dump To’o for decider<\/a><\/p>\n

New South Wales coach Laurie Daley has made five changes to the Blues side for Origin III with Brian To’o missing out for the first time in over five years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Also recalled to the team was North Queensland back rower Jeremiah Nanai, who played a match-winning hand for the Cowboys against Penrith on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Slater handed Nanai his Origin debut as a 19-year-old in 2022 and he has played 11 of a possible 14 games for Queensland since then.<\/p>\n

“It was great to see him play well on the weekend, but I learnt nothing from the weekend’s game that I didn’t already know about Jeremiah Nanai,” he said.<\/p>\n

“He has done a wonderful job for this footy team. He’s 23 years old and he’s played 11 Origins already, that’s a lot of Origin football for a young man.<\/p>\n

“I just know whatever role we ask of Jeremiah, he’s gonna be able to perform that for this footy team.”<\/p>\n

\"Billy<\/p>\n

Billy Slater handed a 19-year-old Jeremiah Nanai his Origin debut in 2022. (Getty Images: Bradley Kanaris)<\/p>\n

NSW coach Laurie Daley last night made the shocking decision to drop star winger Brian To’o<\/a>, replacing him with debutant Jack Bostock as one of a slew of changes for the decider.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Maroons could pick an unchanged starting line-up with only a couple of alterations to the extended bench, but Slater said the team could not rely on that continuity.<\/p>\n

“We can’t just turn up and expect the continuity of the team and being familiar with the number on your back and being their last game, it’s not just gonna happen for us,” he said.<\/p>\n

“You’ve got to earn every situation, every moment and that’s what we’ll be chasing.”<\/p>\n

Slater and the Maroons also have the advantage of the decider being played in Brisbane, but the Queenslanders have lost the past two games at Lang Park \u2014 the 2024 decider and last year’s series opener.<\/p>\n

“What’s happened in the past is nearly irrelevant,” Slater said.<\/p>\n

“The venue means a lot to us, it means a lot to Queenslanders. We won’t be focusing too much on what’s happened in the past.”<\/p>\n

Look back at how the announcement unfolded in our live blog.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:58am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:58am<\/p>\n

Queensland’s squad for State of Origin III\"Jon<\/p>\n

For the first time this series, Queensland has opted to name a squad instead of a line-up.<\/p>\n

Patrick Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai and Corey Horsburgh are in. Lindsay Collins, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Heilum Luki are out.<\/p>\n

Here’s the full 20-man squad for the decider at Lang Park next Wednesday, July 8:<\/p>\n

Kurt Capewell (Warriors)Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)*Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins)Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans)Jojo Fifita (Titans)Thomas Flegler (Dolphins)Harry Grant (Storm)Corey Horsburgh (Raiders)*Trent Loiero (Storm)Cameron Munster (Storm)Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)*Briton Nikora (Sharks)Max Plath (Dolphins)Kalyn Ponga (Knights)Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)Murray Taulagi (Cowboys)*Robert Toia (Roosters)Sam Walker (Roosters)Reece Walsh (Broncos)*<\/p>\n

* Did not play Game II<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:41am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:41am<\/p>\n

That’s where we’ll leave you\"Jon\"\"(Getty)<\/p>\n

So, a quick blog’s a good blog I suppose.<\/p>\n

We’ll sign it off there now that all the pieces are on the board for the decider.<\/p>\n

Of course we’ll have extensive coverage of the next 10 days and a live blog and radio call on the night of the game on Wednesday, July 8 from Lang Park in Brisbane.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:37am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:37am<\/p>\n

Slater confirms Corey Horsburgh is 20th man\"Jon<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the Raiders middle was consistently overlooked while he was in career-best form for Canberra en route to the minor premiership.<\/p>\n

But now, with the Raiders struggling, Horsburgh is in the squad, albeit as 20th man.<\/p>\n

“It’s a reward for the consistent effort he’s putting in. He gets through a mountain of work, he does a lot of the little things for a big man. He says them as important and they don’t go unnoticed in my eyes.<\/p>\n

“Good to see Big Red, he’s a great character, he’s a good fella and he’s earned his opportunity to get back into this squad.”<\/p>\n

The way Slater is speaking suggests to me that he told Horsburgh last year what he wanted to see more of from him, and he’s gone back and done it.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:32am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:32am<\/p>\n

Slater on the home-ground advantage\"Jon<\/p>\n

The decider being at Lang Park is no doubt an advantage for the Maroons, but the home side has actually lost the past two games in Brisbane \u2014 the 2024 decider and last year’s series opener.<\/p>\n

Slater says it’s nice to have the game on home soil, but they won’t put too much stock in the good or the bad history.<\/p>\n

“What’s happened in the past is nearly irrelevant. What happens in the next nine days and the 80 minutes next Wednesday night is what’s going to decide the outcome. That’s what we’ll be focusing on.<\/p>\n

“The venue means a lot to us, it means a lot to Queenslanders.<\/p>\n

“We won’t be focusing too much on what’s happened in the past.”<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:25am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:25am<\/p>\n

Continuity not the be-all and end-all\"Jon<\/p>\n

The Maroons are pretty solid in terms of selections when compared to the Blues, but Slater isn’t putting too much weight on that.<\/p>\n

“We can’t just turn up and expect the continuity of the team and being familiar with the number on your back and being their last game, it’s not just gonna happen for us.<\/p>\n

“You’ve got to earn ever situation, every moment and that’s what we’ll be chasing.”<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:22am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:22am<\/p>\n

Slater explains the Nanai recall\"Jon<\/p>\n

North Queensland back rower Jeremiah Nanai has been recalled in place of Origin rookie Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.<\/p>\n

Nanai was a game-winner for the Cowboys on Saturday against the Panthers and Slater says it was good to see but he already knew what the 23-year-old could do.<\/p>\n

“I learnt nothing from the weekend’s game that I didn’t already know about Jeremiah Nanai.”<\/p>\n

As for Finefeuiaki \u2026<\/p>\n

“They’re tough conversations. Kuli’s developed so much in the last 18 months. I still think there’s some growth in his game. I’ve got no doubt he’ll be a member of this footy team in the future.”<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:17am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:17am<\/p>\n

Slater confirms Collins’s concussion cost him\"Jon<\/p>\n

Billy Slater is backing Pat Carrigan to play despite a truncated injury lay-off after ankle surgery.<\/p>\n

“He leaves no stone unturned in his preparation, whether he’s injured or not.<\/p>\n

“He’s done really well with his rehab. If Pat Carrigan wasn’t in this footy team he’d be looking to play for the Broncos this weekend.”<\/p>\n

Slater says it’s “a fair call” to say there’s risk in picking Carrigan after a month off the field and says Lindsay Collins wasn’t quite right after his concussion on Friday night.<\/p>\n

Game day would have just been outside the mandatory lay-off but Slater said Collins wasn’t going to be ready to train fully and then play.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:14am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:14am<\/p>\n

Billy Slater is speaking now\"Jon<\/p>\n

The Queensland coach has made some calls that require some explaining.<\/p>\n

Primarily, will he give any hints as to his line-up after naming a 20-man squad for the first time this series.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:00am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:00am<\/p>\n

Pat Carrigan recalled despite ankle surgery\"Jon<\/p>\n

State of Origin III will be Pat Carrigan’s first game in over a month after Billy Slater recalled the Broncos middle forward for the decider.<\/p>\n

Carrigan injured his ankle in Brisbane’s round 13 loss to the Dragons and underwent surgery, with the club saying he would be out for six weeks.<\/p>\n

\"\"(NRL.com)<\/p>\n

In fairness, despite the NRL website listing his return as round 20 (we’ve just completed round 17) Origin III will mark five-and-a-half weeks since the injury occurred.<\/p>\n

And the Broncos still haven’t won a game since.<\/p>\n

Carrigan came off the bench in Game I, just four days before he was injured, and I imagine the uncertainty about his injury is why Corey Horsburgh is in the squad.<\/p>\n

I assume he will come in if Carrigan can’t make it to game day.<\/p>\n

Prop and Slater favourite Lindsay Collins misses out due to a concussion he suffered on Friday night.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:50am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:50am<\/p>\n

A reminder of Queensland’s victorious Origin II team\"Jon<\/p>\n

Here’s how the Maroons lined up in Melbourne:<\/p>\n

Kalyn PongaSelwyn CobboRob ToiaHamiso Tabuai-FidowJojo FifitaCameron MunsterSam WalkerTom FleglerHarry GrantTino Fa’sauamaleauiBriton NikoraKurt CapewellReuben CotterMax PlathLindsay CollinsKulikefu FinefeuiakiTrent LoieroReece Walsh*Murray Taulagi*Heilum Luki*<\/p>\n

*\u00a0Squad members but did not play<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:46am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:46am<\/p>\n

Let’s talk about NSW\"Jon<\/p>\n

I know this is a blog about the Maroons’ team, but before they’re named, let’s dive into the Blues’ announcement from last night.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Getty)<\/p>\n

NSW coach Laurie Daley made about half a dozen changes (depending how you count) from the team that lost Game II so comprehensively.<\/p>\n

Dylan Lucas was dumped with Haumole Olakau’atu recalled to the bench, Liam Martin and Blayke Brailey were drafted back in after returning from injury, Victor Radley drops out, centres Tolu Koula and Kotoni Staggs were axed for Bradman Best and Stephen Crichton.<\/p>\n

But the biggest call was dropping winger Brian To’o for debutant Jack Bostock.<\/p>\n

To’o has been the first name on the team sheet for five years, named in 17 straight Origin games since making his debut in 2021, and winning the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW’s best player in the 2025 and 2023 series.<\/p>\n

“He’s given great service to NSW, and I’m sure he’ll be back, but just for this game we just needed to make that change,” Daley said.<\/p>\n

To’o is the Blues’ equal leading try-scorer and a constant source of massive running metres and tackle busts, but a couple of lapses appear to have cost him his spot.<\/p>\n

He had an uncharacteristically error-riddled outing in Game I and even made a couple in Game II, but the more telling moments came in defence at the MCG and against the Cowboys on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Getty)<\/p>\n

In a world full of enormous wingers, the stocky To’o has always managed to use his strength and body position to hold his own in aerial contests, but Jojo Fifita easily leapt over him in broken play for a try in Origin II.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai both had their moments in contests with To’o, including Nanai’s game-sealing try.<\/p>\n

Bostock shouldn’t have such issues and it is a bold decision to drop one of NSW’s greatest for a decider like this.<\/p>\n

If it goes well, Daley will be hailed but it will be looked back on very unfavourably if the Blues go down next Wednesday at Lang Park.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:30am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:30am<\/p>\n

NSW’s Origin III team\"Jon<\/p>\n

Here’s the squad Laurie Daley named last night:<\/p>\n

James TedescoJack Bostock (debut)Bradman BestStephen CrichtonMark NawaqanitawaseMitchell MosesNathan ClearyPayne HaasReece RobsonMitch BarnettHudson YoungLiam MartinIsaah YeoCameron MurrayAddin Fonua-BlakeHaumole Olakau’atuBlayke BraileyEthan StrangeTolu KoulaVictor RadleyMon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:21am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:21am<\/p>\n

Hello and welcome to today’s Origin III team announcement\"Jon<\/p>\n

For the third straight game we’ve had a new arrangement of the teams being named, with NSW going first last night and only the Queensland Maroons to be named this morning.<\/p>\n

But last night’s Blues announcement was another doozy, so we’ll unpack that a bit before Billy Slater’s side is revealed at 8am AEST followed by a press conference.<\/p>\n

Let’s get into it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Queensland coach Billy Slater has recalled Patrick Carrigan, who has not played a game since May, for State…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":766638,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[64,63,11170,7285,365093,6406,4125,158,192994,13385,85,6405],"class_list":["post-766637","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-billy-slater","tag-blog","tag-decider","tag-laurie-daley","tag-live","tag-nrl","tag-nsw-blues","tag-queensland-maroons","tag-sports","tag-state-of-origin"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/766637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=766637"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/766637\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/766638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=766637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=766637"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=766637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}