State of Origin Game 3 – QLD Team Announced News Summary:

- Patrick Carrigan has been recalled to the Queensland Maroons side for Game 3 of the 2026 State of Origin series after recovering from an ankle injury.

- Jeremiah Nanai earns a recall on the back of a strong return from injury with North Queensland, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Lindsay Collins drop out.

- Corey Horsburgh has been named as the 20th man and contingency for Carrigan, pushing Heilum Luki out of the squad.

- The Maroons head to Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday with the chance to defend the shield in front of a parochial Brisbane crowd.

Carrigan’s Comeback Headlines Maroons Selection

The Broncos skipper was widely expected to miss the decider due to an ankle complaint picked up earlier in the month, but a strong rehab block has him back in maroon. 

Slater conceded the recall carried a level of "risk” but backed the lock’s professionalism to get him through fitness testing during the week.

"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," Slater told reporters on Monday.

Carrigan’s ball-playing ability and engine through the middle shapes as a major boost for a Queensland pack already brimming with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter and Thomas Flegler.

Nanai Recalled After Cowboys Cameo

Cowboys back-rower Jeremiah Nanai has been brought back into the fold after lighting up the weekend’s clash, setting the tone with a bone-rattling shot on Moses Leota inside the opening minute. 

Despite the timely form line, Slater insisted the call was made on the back of an already established body of work.

"He has done a wonderful job for this footy team. He’s 23 years old, and he’s played 11 Origins already," Slater said. "Whatever role that we ask of Jeremiah he’s going to be able to perform that for this footy team."

At just 23, Nanai is fast becoming one of the most experienced second-rowers in the Queensland set-up.

Tough Calls on Finefeuiaki and Luki

Game 2 debutant Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been the unlucky man to make way, while Lindsay Collins drops out of contention after copping a concussion against the Broncos. 

Slater praised Finefeuiaki’s development and flagged him as a future regular in the squad.

Raiders’ enforcer Corey Horsburgh has been rewarded for consistent club form, slotting in as the 20th man and a direct cover should Carrigan fail to prove his fitness. 

The decision has cost Heilum Luki his place in the wider squad, with Horsburgh now pushing for a bench spot in the six-man rotation.

"He gets through a mountain of work and does a lot of little things for a big man that’s quite hard to do," Slater said of Horsburgh.

Queensland in the Box Seat at Suncorp

After downing the Blues at the MCG, the Maroons hold all the momentum heading back to fortress Suncorp. 

Cameron Munster will again lead the side, with Kalyn Ponga, Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow forming a dangerous spine combination capable of putting the series to bed.

QLD Team for State of Origin Game 3

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Robert Toia

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Jojo Fifita

6. Cameron Munster (c)

7. Sam Walker

8. Tom Flegler

9. Harry Grant

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

11. Briton Nikora

12. Kurt Capewell 

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Max Plath

15. Jeremiah Nanai

16. Trent Loiero

17. Pat Carrigan

18. Reece Walsh

19. Murray Tualagi

20. Corey Horsburgh