All you need to know about NSW Blues vs Queensland Maroons State of Origin game three Accor Stadium

Game three of this year’s State of Origin series is a dead rubber after Queensland beat the Blues in the opening two matches – but Brad Fittler and his side have everything to play for after their poor performances were slammed by fans and experts.  

NSW have made a host of changes for the clash in Sydney, some of which have been controversial, while the Maroons have been able to keep the core of their side together despite a few injuries. 

Daily Mail Australia has everything you need to know sorted ahead of the final game of the series… 

Brad Fittler and the Blues will be desperate to avoid a repeat of these scenes as Queensland stars celebrated their series-sealing win in game two

When is it?

State of Origin game two is on Wednesday night, with kick off set for 8.05pm (AEST), and gates at Accor Stadium opening from 5.30pm. 

A curtain-raiser match featuring NSW Blue vs NSW Navy will take place from 5.50pm, before musicians Six60 kick off the pre-match entertainment from 7.30pm.

Television coverage will start on Channel Nine from 7pm. 

Where is it being played? What weather is expected?

Game three is being played at Accor Stadium at Homebush in Sydney’s west, which has held 30 State of Origin games.

The weather is expected to provide perfect conditions for footy, with clear skies, no wind and temperatures of around 13 degrees expected come kick-off time.

Blues coach Fittler is under extreme pressure heading into the match and has made a host of changes to his side as he chases a winning combination and reacts to injuries to stars

How can I watch or listen?

The game is being broadcast live in Australia on Channel Nine, with pre-match analysis beginning from 7pm for the scheduled 8.05pm kickoff. Viewers can also stream the broadcast on 9Now.

A number of radio stations will also cover the game, including the ABC, Triple M Sydney, Triple M Brisbane, 2GB, 4BC, SEN and NRL Nation. 

The game will be shown in New Zealand on SkyNZ, while a range of other broadcasters will also show the game around the world; from the USA, UK and Pacific Islands to everywhere in between. 

What are the teams? And who is refereeing?

Brad Fittler is under extreme pressure and has made a host of changes ahead of game two as he tries to plug holes created by injuries and find the winning combination that has eluded the team so far this year. 

It’s widely thought that another loss could see him lose his job as NSW coach, although there aren’t many good candidates to replace him with.  

Ashley Klein is the lead whistleblower after officiating all three games last year. Dave Munro and Phil Henderson will be his touch judges, with Grant Atkins set to be the senior review official in the box.

New South Wales

Out go Hudson Young, Jarome Luai, Junior Paulo, Matt Burton, Payne Haas, Stefano Utoikamanu, Tom Trbojevic and Tyson Frizell.

In come Clint Gutherson, Cody Walker, Jacob Saifiti, Jake Trbojevic, Keaon Koloamatangi, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Scott Drinkwater, Bradman Best and Spencer Leniu.

The inclusion of Newcastle star Best in the centres over the Dogs’ Matt Burton has divided fans and experts, while Luai was dropped to give Souths’ lynchpin Walker another crack in the No.6 jersey for the Blues. 

It’s been rumoured the Blues could bring reserve forward Spencer Leniu into the side after he turned heads with his displays at training.   

Bradman Best’s inclusion in the centres has drawn heavy criticism, with many fans and experts preferring Canterbury’s Matt Burton in that spot

Queensland

Coach Billy Slater replaced the injured Reece Walsh by moving AJ Brimson to fullback, with and debutant Corey Horsburgh helping make up for the absence of Thomas Flegler. J’maine Hopgood and Tom Dearden also come into the squad.

Lindsay Collins is reportedly a chance of being shifted into the starting side at the expense of Reuben Cotter or Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

Betting tips for game two

It might be the Blues’ only home game of the series, but that hasn’t done their odds any favours.

BetRight CEO Anthony Waller said, ‘The punters still want to be on Queensland despite it being a NSW home game and their team changes.

‘Queensland opened at $1.77 after game two and have steadily been backed in. They got as short as $1.67 and are now at $1.72. 

‘We have taken some sharp bets on Queensland at $1.77 and at the line -3.5.

‘There’s been money for Valentine Holmes for first tryscorer and Cherry Evans Man of the Match.’

At the time of writing, Xavier Coates was at the shortest odds to cross the line first at $10, with Cameron Munster ($8) favoured to be named the best player on the ground.