STATE OF ORIGIN: How the NSW Blues shape up without Latrell Mitchell for decider

Fullback: Dylan Edwards

Age: 28

Origins: 1

Origin tries: 1

Predictably, Penrith’s Mr Consistent delivered on Origin debut in game two. Tirelessly carries the ball out of the backfield and will always be there to pick up an offload or inside ball off a break.

Winger: Brian To’o

Age: 25

Origins: 11

Origin tries: 6

The reigning Brad Fittler Medallist bagged a double as part of the game-two romp and can be relied upon for big metres and tough carries. His clash with Selwyn Cobbo on the edge shapes as an enticing contrast in styles of play.

Centre: Bradman Best

Age: 22

Origins: 1

Origin tries: 2

Comes in for the injured Latrell Mitchell as one of two changes to the 17 from game two. Was outstanding on Origin debut in game three last year and probably would have been picked for the series opener this year had he not been injured. Runs the ball with similar power to Mitchell on the left edge.

Centre: Stephen Crichton

Age: 23

Origins: 8

Origin tries: 1

Crichton is prized in the Blues camp for his energy and leadership, but he’s also one of the league’s best big-game players. He’s returning to the scene of the 2021 grand final, where he picked off an intercept to score the decisive try for Penrith. What magic will he produce this time?

Winger: Zac Lomax

Age: 24

Origins: 2

Origin tries: 3

Surely one of the favourites for player of the series in his first Origin campaign. He again shapes as an aerial target for future Parramatta teammate Mitch Moses and will be key if the Blues want to again expose the out-of-form Val Holmes, who has been shifted to his wing.

Five-eighth: Jarome Luai

Age: 27

Origins: 9

Origin tries: 2

The Queensland crowd’s pantomime villain the last time the Blues travelled to Suncorp Stadium. He’s been forced to mature on and off the field during Nathan Cleary’s injury absence at Penrith this season, so don’t expect him to be rattled on return to Brisbane.

Halfback: Mitch Moses

Age: 29

Origins: 4

Origin tries: 0

His Origin II masterclass was described as a coming-of-age performance. Now he has the chance to lock up the halfback jersey for the foreseeable future if he can become only the second NSW number seven to inspire victory in a game-three decider at Suncorp Stadium.

Prop: Jake Trbojevic (c)

Age: 30

Origins: 18

Origin tries: 1

After being restricted to a cameo in game one, the skipper had his minutes increased slightly for Origin II and was a reliable defensive presence as the Blues suffocated the Maroons early on. Expect his best moments to again come without the football.

Hooker: Reece Robson

Age: 26

Origins: 4

Origin tries: 0

Quietly piecing together a solid series. Expect big minutes from the North Queensland rake and plenty of top defensive efforts through the ruck. A reprise of NSW’s middle dominance could open up chances for Robson to chance his arm with the ball.

Prop: Payne Haas

Age: 24

Origins: 13

Origin tries: 0

Coming off the best Origin performance of his career, the Brisbane behemoth knows Suncorp like the back of his hand. He’s the key cog in the forward pack, and with the Queensland pack out for revenge, NSW simply can’t win in these hostile conditions if he has a bad game.

Second-rower: Liam Martin

Age: 27

Origins: 11

Origin tries: 2

An elite ball-runner, enthusiastic defender and serial pest, this guy is made for the Origin arena. Will be keen to take on ageing former teammate Kurt Capewell in a match-up that could yield plenty of points for the Blues.

Second-rower: Angus Crichton

Age: 28

Origins: 13

Origin tries: 1

His rise from reserve-grader to superstar second-rower has been one of the feel-good stories of the season. Now, fresh from re-signing at the Sydney Roosters, Crichton has the chance to cap a brilliant series in enemy territory.

Lock: Cameron Murray

Age: 26

Origins: 14

Origin tries: 1

Didn’t skip a beat after returning to the Origin arena shortly after his hip injury, making more tackles than any other Blue. Again preferred to Isaah Yeo at starting lock.

Bench: Connor Watson

Age: 28

Origins: 1

Origin tries: 0

Don’t expect big minutes from the recent debutant, but he will be crucial in the event of any mid-game injuries. Can be dropped just about anywhere on the park and he’ll do the job.

Bench: Isaah Yeo

Age: 29

Origins: 13

Origin tries: 0

Will assume on-field leadership when Trbojevic goes off for a break. A big body with silky ball skills, he’s just as adept at punching through the middle as firing a pinpoint pass to the edges.

Bench: Mitchell Barnett

Age: 30

Origins: 0

Origin tries: 0

Replaces Haumole Olakau’atu to become the eighth NSW debutant this series and the only Blue tasting Origin for the first time in the decider. He’s in career-best form for the Warriors and will be only the second man to don the sky blue while contracted at the Auckland club, after Ryan Hoffman.

Bench: Spencer Leniu

Age: 23

Origins: 2

Origin tries: 0

The most damaging bench prop in the game, running the ball back from kick-offs like a man possessed and always keen for more work running at tiring middles. Privately, he was disappointed with the NSW bench’s performance in game two, so expect him to come out firing on all cylinders.

18th player: Matt Burton

Age: 30

Origins: 2

Origin tries: 1