Cleary leads NSW with all-time performance to reclaim the shield

• LISTEN LIVE TO SEN's CALL OF GAME III
• NSW reclaim the shield with a 2-1 series win
• NSW have won the last three matches at Suncorp Stadium
• FINAL SCORE: QLD 12-30 NSW

Goodbye from us!

And with that, we bid you farewell on this Wednesday night.

It's been an incredible night of action with the Blues coming into enemy territory and claiming the shield while the Maroons will be left to regroup and use this as motivation for 2027.

Make sure to listen to all the fallout tomorrow morning from 6am AEST with Kick Off on SEN 1170 and SENQ Breakfast on SENQ.

Those can also be heard on the SEN app.

Ponga: I'm feeling pretty numb following Game III loss

Queensland's Kalyn Ponga has spoken with Moses Mbye on SEN's Maroons Radio following the Maroons' Game III defeat.

Mbye: How are you feeling after that one?

Ponga: Pretty numb, mate, to be honest.

"Yeah, I don't really know how to sort of sum that up. It's disappointing obviously, like I'm pretty gutted, shattered really.

WALLY LEWIS MEDALLIST: NATHAN CLEARY

Could it be anyone else?

After years of conversations around his legacy for NSW, the Panthers star now adds a Wally Lewis Medal to his list of achievements.

Speaking at the podium, Cleary has thanked his teammates for their belief in their abilities.

"Firstly, I just wanted to say thank you to Queensland," Cleary said post-game.

"It's always such a tough occasion, especially a decider up here.

"And then yeah, our boys. Absolutely unbelievable what a group just instilled that belief the whole way and got the job done. So grateful to be a part of it.

"Thank you to all my family, my close friends, everyone that's backed me."

Townsend: Daley has done it his way

Is there anyone more relieved from this victory than Laurie Daley?

The Raiders legend secures his second shield on his seventh attempt after being under enormous pressure and does so by winning his first Game III decider.

While there will be plenty of speculation if he is in charge for 2027 in the weeks and months to come, Chad Townsend noted that despite all the noise, he did it his way and got the desired result.

"A big series for Loz, he's been criticised heavily throughout the course of this series on a lot of his selections, his choices, he's done it his way," Townsend said.

"And now he gets his first decider win as head coach of the Blues up there at Suncorp Stadium."

NSW ACHIEVES THE PERFECT FINISH

With the tag of underdogs, NSW has produced a stellar performance to secure the shield.

And with the siren gone, Hudson Young finishes it with a cherry on top to secure a 30-12 win.

For a ground that has historically been a nightmare for the Blues, NSW have now won their last three games at Suncorp Stadium as Laurie Daley finally wins a Game III decider.

QLD 12-30 NSW after 80 minutes

ANOTHER ERROR HANDS THE BLUES A FAMOUS VICTORY

Oh dear.

The Maroons have produced their 11th error for the match with Selwyn Cobbo responsible as the Blues hold the ball in their 20 with four minutes left.

It's NSW to lose here.

QLD 12-26 NSW after 76 minutes

CLEARY CONTINUES HIS PERFECT NIGHT

Is that the nail in Queensland's coffin?

Nathan Cleary has nailed a penalty goal following a dangerous tackle penalty from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. That brings his point total to 18 points.

As a result, he is now equalled the most points by an individual in decider. This is arguably his best performance in a sky blue jersey.

The Maroons need three tries and in a hurry.

QLD 12-26 NSW after 70 minutes

MAROONS TRY DISALLOWED

The comeback is on as Queensland brings the margin to single digits.

It's an absolute bomb from Sam Walker with the ball hitting the ground.

As the ball hits the ground, the Rugby League gods have bounced it in the favour of Queensland, with it going over Tolutau Koula and into the hands of Robert Toia, who scores.

HANG ON, IT'S BEEN OVER RULED!

The Bunker has intervened, having reviewed the initial kick from Walker, which shows Max Plath being offside.

We're back to a 12-point margin.

QLD 12-24 NSW after 68 minutes

BOSTOCK RULED OUT

Jack Bostock joins James Tedesco on the bench after failing his HIA for NSW.

As he got subbed off, Queensland's Briton Nikora is also undergoing an assessment, with Reuben Cotter taking his place.

QUEENSLAND KEEP THEIR HOPES ALIVE

And with Bostock currently being assessed for a HIA, Queensland makes the most of it on the right edge through Jojo Fifita scoring a try.

Rob Toia draws two players in on the right edge, which allows him to get the ball out to Fifita, who scores his second try as a Maroon.

But once again Sam Walker has missed the conversion, leaving Queensland's total at 0 for 3.

QLD 12-24 NSW after 63 minutes

Another HIA is taking place

Now it's the debutant Jack Bostock that is coming off the field for a HIA.

By my count, that's the third for tonight.

BRADMAN AT HIS BEST

There's something about Bradman Best and Game III's at Suncorp Stadium, hey?

With Queensland deep in their half, both Robert Toia and Jojo Fifita go up to compete for a high ball with Jack Bostock.

Instead it bobbles out for their hands with Best picking up the ball and running 95 metres to score.

That's one way to break up Queensland's momentum.

Cleary puts it through the big sticks with no issues as the Blues take a 16-point lead.

QLD 8-24 NSW after 58 minutes

COBBO CUTS THE MARGIN FOR QUEENSLAND

Selwyn Cobbo has continued his try scoring into Game III with his fourth try from his last two games in Queensland colours.

Cobbo initially kicked a grubber ball which deflected off Tolutau Koula and Mark Nawawaqanitawase.

As a result, it pops up over the try line with Cobbo all alone to score.

The conversion is missed by Reece Walsh.

QLD 8-18 NSW after 48 minutes

More injury carnage

It's not just NSW that has been affected with injury as Sam Walker has come off the field too.

But it sees Reece Walsh come on as his replacement.

Tedesco update

It's a Catergory 2 concussion for James Tedesco, he will not return to the field.

HALF TIME

What an action packed 40 minutes it's been!

While it took them a little while to start up in Game I, the Blues have come out firing, with Nathan Cleary leading the way with his two tries to give NSW a 14-point lead.

The Maroons have not helped themselves either after a poor error count in the opening 20 minutes, coupled with some poor tackling stats.

But they have shown that they can turn it on when given the chance.

Time will tell if they can repeat the feat.

Tedesco off for a HIA

This is not ideal for the Blues.

James Tedesco has been taken to the sheds for a HIA after Queensland's Briton Nikora makes head contact with the reigning Dally M Medallist.

Nikora is on report for the incident while Tolutau Koula takes his place for NSW.

Blues assert kicking dominance

While the Maroons have gotten on the scoreboard, it's been the Blues' half so far, with Chad Townsend paying particular focus on Mitchell Moses.

The five-eighth has managed 468 kicking metres, which has pushed Queensland deep into their half.

Speaking on commentary, Townsend has been impressed by Moses' performance so far.

"The kicking game from Mitch Moses early in this game has been impressive," he said.

"The long kicking game, pinning Queensland deep inside their own end.

"This time opting to kick to that right-hand corner, the kick chase backing it up, and now Queensland, they'll work their way out.

"But you gotta say it's been all blue so far."

QUEENSLAND GET ON THE SCOREBOARD

That was a much needed try for the Maroons.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has stemmed the Blues scoring with a try of his own.

Queensland's spine once again plays an important role with Cam Munster and Kalyn Ponga helping with the build up before the Knights fullback provides the all important assist with Tabuai-Fidow scoring his 14th try for Queensland.

But for the first time this series, Sam Walker has missed the conversion leaving the Maroons 14 points down.

Can they get another before the half?

QLD 4-18 NSW after 34 minutes

BLUES ARE RUNNING RIOT

What is going on here!

The Blues are now three tries up against Queensland in the space of 30 minutes.

Nathan Cleary is once again involved, having managed to get the steal, which then sees Cam Murray will himself to get the ball on the left side of the post.

The South Sydney star only just got on 10 minutes ago but already has a try.

Cleary takes his point total to 16 with the successful conversion.

But as the Blues proved in Game I, the Maroons are not out of this by any means.

QLD 0-18 NSW after 27 minutes

CLEARY DOUBLES NSW'S LEAD

Nathan Cleary is doing all he can to dispel the myth around his Origin legacy!

The Blues got it out to the right edge with Liam Martin getting it to his former Panthers teammate Stephen Crichton as he breaks through the line, who passes to Mark Nawawaqanitawase, who gets it out to Cleary.

Queensland's early errors are not helping them at the moment, and the Blues are making the most of it.

QLD 0-12 NSW after 26 minutes

CLEARY SCORES FIRST

For a man who has had so many questions about his Origin form, Nathan Cleary has started Game III with a bang, scoring the first six points.

The Blues made the most of their territory, with the Panthers star getting the ball at the 10-metre line.

He gets past Kurt Capewell and Reuben Cotter before beating Cam Munster and Kalyn Ponga to the line.

The conversion is all clear as the Blues take the lead.

QLD 0-6 NSW after 15 minutes

BLUES WITH THE FIRST REAL CHANCE

The Blues have had the first real chance of the game having had the ball deep within their half courtesy of a knock on from Jojo Fifita off the pressure from Jack Bostock.

But NSW couldn't make it count on that set but they remain within their 20.

QLD 0-0 NSW after nine minutes

FIRST PENALTY TO QUEENSLAND

It's only taken four minutes but we've gotten out first penalty from NSW.

Hudson Young has been placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Jojo Fifita seeing the Maroons get into their own half.

The Maroons make sure to support their man and have let Young know about it.

QLD 0-0 NSW after four minutes

WE'RE UNDERWAY HERE AT SUNCORP STADIUM

The Maroons have kicked off with the Blues to recieve.

NSW are running to the left of your radio dial with Queensland going to the right.

QLD 0-0 NSW

Kick off not too far away

The clock has ticked past 8pm, which means there are only five minutes before we begin.

Queensland run out onto the field after the Blues, and the fans have made themselves heard as they show their support.

Will the home ground advantage prove to be the difference?

Can the Blues pull off an ambush?

They did in 2024, but can the Blues reclaim the shield on enemy territory in a decider once again?

It's been an up-and-down series for the Blues, who made the most of Queensland going down to 12 men in Game I to come back from 20 points down before they were smashed in the second half in Game II.

To avoid a similar feat in Game III, Chad Townsend believes that Laurie Daley must get his bench rotations right to give them every chance of pulling through with a famous victory.

"Plain and simply, he has to get the bench rotation right," Townsend said on SEN's Origin LIVE.

"I think everyone understands or everyone agrees, and I think the New South Wales coaching staff would've had a good hard look at themselves upon their review of the game and what they got right and wrong.

"A couple of things they got wrong (was) they took (Isaah) Yeo out too long. He played 72 minutes.

"Addin Fonua-Blake had a nine-minute stint, Reece Robson played 80 minutes, Api Koroisau didn't see the field, Ethan Strange played only 16 minutes.

"There's a couple just off the top of my head.

"So for Loz, yes, he has made some decisions, but it's all irrelevant right now.

"He's got an opportunity in front of him to coach this team to the best of his ability tonight."

The Queenslander set to have a big effect on Game III

If Queensland are to get the win tonight, Andrew Voss believes that Kalyn Ponga will have a large say in those proceedings.

“I've been on the (Kalyn) Ponga bus pretty much all series, and of course he had the send-off in game one,” Voss said on SEN’s Front Office with Vossy.

“He's been a Man of the Match in an Origin decider at Suncorp previously.

“I think he's really at the peak of his powers. This is his time, and I think Ponga can be a huge influence on tonight's result for Queensland.”

Teams are confirmed

With kick off less than an hour away, NSW and Queensland have confirmed no late changes to their sides.

NSW: 1. James Tedesco 2. Jack Bostock 3. Bradman Best 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Payne Haas 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Cameron Murray 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17. Blayke Brailety 18. Ethan Strange 19. Tolu Koula

Coach: Laurie Daley

QLD: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Rob Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Cameron Munster 7. Sam Walker 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Briton Nikora 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Max Plath 15. Patrick Carrigan 16. Jeremiah Nanai 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh 19. Murray Taulagi

Coach: Billy Slater

Chad Townsend's keys to winning Game III

Chad Townsend has outlined the five key objectives that NSW and Queensland must hit to ensure they are the ones lifting the shield tonight.

NSW

1. Harry Grant must make 50 tackles
2. Target Cameron Munster's inside shoulder in defence
3. 120+ supports
4. 85% completion rate
5. Aerial attack towards Nawaqanitawase and Bostock

QLD

1. Sam Walker early kicks
2. 85% completion rate
3. Kalyn Ponga to challenge space between half and centre
4. Make Nathan Cleary make 25+ tackles
5. Big metres from the wingers

To read his explanation of why these are so important, click here.

Fletch makes big prediction for tonight

There are no bigger games in Rugby League than a Game III decider.

And if Bryan Fletcher's prediction is anything to go by, then we are in for a classic.

On SEN's The Run Home with Joel and Fletch, the 14-time NSW representative believes this game could become one of the best games in Origin's history should the Blues be on enemy territory.

"This could just be the upset of all upsets," he said.

"I have a feeling this is gonna go down in the top 3 Origin games tonight. Top three."

Kimmorley backs returning Blue for starring role

Brett Kimmorely has backed Liam Martin to have a big impact in Game III, believing he is the man to nullify Queensland’s star five-eighth and captain in Cam Munster.

Martin makes his return to the Blues squad for the first time this year, with the Panther partnering Hudson Young in the second row after a knee injury saw him out of Games I and II.

With the 29-year-old known for his high work rate, the former Blues half believes Martin has the qualities to succeed in Origin and can subdue Munster with his physicality.

“I think Liam Martin will be outstanding for New South Wales and always is in that Origin arena; he's just that Origin player, isn't he?” Kimmorely told SENQ Breakfast.

“That individual toughness (and) physicality. He'll chase (Cam) Munster, so let's hope that puts Cam Munster off his game a little bit.

“I reckon give Liam Martin about 50 minutes of just emptying his tank and just running over Munster and pushing him and niggling him, make sure some defensive pressure gets applied to him.

“And then Haumole Olakau'atu to come on with that size and physicality and run over one of (Queensland’s) little halves to win State of Origin for the Blues.”

Johns: How the Blues should use Ethan Strange

One of the main talking points in the build-up to the clash from a NSW perspective has been the health of Ethan Strange.

The 21-year-old has been under an injury cloud throughout Origin camp after rolling his ankle with Matt Burton receiving a call-up to the squad in case the Raiders half couldn't play.

In his debut series for NSW, Strange played a big factor in their 20-point comeback in Game I having had to take on the No.6 jersey after Mitchell Moses was ruled out with a minor hamstring strain.

After that incredible debut, the Raiders half was relegated to the bench in favour of Moses for Game II.

As a result, Strange only played the final 16 minutes in their 44-24 defeat to the Maroons.

With Strange on the bench once again for Game III, Matty Johns has called for Laurie Daley to use Strange akin to the play style of Sea Eagles' legend Glenn Stewart as an extra five-eighth

“They still gotta find a way to get him on,” Johns explained on SEN’s The Run Home with Joel and Fletch.

“It's a tricky one because, the obvious one is if there's no injuries, is putting him on through the middle.

“I'll tell you what I think about boys and it's unorthodox, but he's been such a talented kid, he can play anywhere.

“We've seen him dominate in the centres, but I wouldn't put him in the centres.

“One thing I would consider is playing him almost like a Glenn Stewart type edge role, where if you're saying to Mitch and Nathan, ‘I want you to run the ball more’ (and) other times, just feed the ball to Ethan early and let Ethan play a little bit of shape off him, just like Gifty (Glenn Stewart) used to do.

“Just play Queensland on an edge, you know, stuff that they haven't seen before.”

Origin here to stay on Wednesday nights

It's been a huge 24 hours for the NRL and the ARLC following the announcement of its record breaking TV rights deal beginning in 2028.

While Nine, Foxtel and Sky NZ have all retained their position as the official broadcasters, it hasn't come cheap after agreeing to a $5.3 billion deal over seven years.

In the deal, it re-confirmed that Channel Nine would remain the exclusive rights holder of the men's and women's State of Origin series.

With Game II bringing Nine its biggest audience for an Origin match in its history with a total audience of 4,294,000, the series serve as one of its biggest events which has been helped by its standalone nature.

And while the ARLC will take back control of the draw, its chairman Peter V'Landys has confirmed that it will remain that way for the deal.

"When the State of Origin will be played, depending on the time of the year, is the decision of the NRL, but it will be on a Wednesday night unless Channel Nine agree otherwise," V'Landys confirmed on Tuesday.

"That's very valuable to Channel Nine to have it on a Wednesday night. If you take the money, you've also got to deliver the service.

"That's when we can maximise the viewing audiences on a Wednesday night and we agreed with Channel Nine on that."