Injured full-back Billy Slater has been named in Queensland's 20-man squad for the State of Origin decider against New South Wales.
Blues bring in another Morris, sweating over the fitness of Stewart
Injured full-back Billy Slater has been named in Queensland's 20-man squad for the State of Origin decider against New South Wales.
The Melbourne Storm player tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the second match of the series but is now back running again.
North Queensland's Matt Bowen has been named in the squad as cover, but Queensland coach Mal Meninga is growing in confidence that Slater will be fit for the game on July 4, which is
live on Sky Sports.
"Billy ran yesterday morning and he was very upbeat about that session so we're going to give him another five days until the end of the week to make that final decision," Meninga said.
"At this stage we're very hopeful but uncertain (whether he'll play). We can't make any judgements on that, only Billy and the medical staff (can make that decision).
"Billy certainly wants to play, he's desperate to play so that's why we're going to give him the extra time, I think he deserves that respect."
Inglis option
If Slater is ruled out, a final decision on his availability is expected to be made before the weekend, then Meninga could opt to switch Greg Inglis from the centres to full-back.
The Maroons - who are bidding to win the series for a seventh straight time - also have concerns over Sam Thaiday (shoulder) and Justin Hodges (ribs).
They are, however, certain to be without lock Ashley Harrison for the game at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane due to a toe injury. Brisbane's Corey Parker is likely to take over in the pack with Ben Te'o looms filling out the bench.
As for New South Wales, they will make at least one alteration from the line-up that started the 16-12 triumph at ANZ Stadium in Sydney last time out.
Coach Ricky Stuart has decided to drop winger Akuila Uate in favour of St. George Illawarra's Brett Morris, who will play alongside twin brother Josh.
Manly Sea Eagles duo of Glenn Stewart and Tony Williams, who missed the second game, were selected in a 19-man party, though the former is a doubt after suffering a partial tear of a medial ligament just a week ago.
Queensland squad: Billy Slater; Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Brent Tate; Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk; Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (c), Petero Civoniceva, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker; Matt Gillett, Dave Taylor, Ben Hannant, David Shillington, Dane Nielsen, Ben Te'o, Matt Bowen.
New South Wales squad: Greg Bird, Todd Carney, Ben Creagh, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (captain), Tim Grant, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Trent Merrin, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Beau Scott, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, James Tamou, Anthony Watmough, Tony Williams.
