A year nobody could have predicted comes down to Queensland and NSW clashing at Suncorp Stadium in the final match of 2020 with the Ampol State of Origin series on the line.
After the Maroons shocked the Blues with a second-half blitz in Adelaide, Brad Fittler's men dominated game two in Sydney.
But now the Maroons return to familiar confines with the chance to win a series few outside the Sunshine State gave them any hope of doing prior to game one.
The experts at NRL.com have their say on who will win on Wednesday night, and why.
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 3 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Experts' view
Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)
Cameron Munster is the best player on either team and if his forwards perform in the middle of the park, he will prove the difference. A big home crowd will really lift Queensland. Maroons by 10
Jamie Soward (2010 premiership winner)
Blues win game three. Nathan Cleary has found out how to manage the Origin game and the rage will continue at Suncorp Stadium. Blues by 8
Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)
The Maroons will lift on home soil but the Blues proved in game two they have too much strike and with some rare history of winning a series in Queensland in sight, they have enough to make it happen. Even with the return of Cameron Munster, NSW should continue to target the left edge. Blues by 16
Maroons call for sold-out Suncorp to get them home
Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)
Queensland won game one when Cameron Munster dominated in the second half and they were rudderless when he went off the field due to his head knock in Origin II. If he is fit and firing, the Maroons can seal an improbable series victory. Maroons by 1
Dan Walsh (NRL.com reporter)
Queensland will give a better account of themselves on their own patch, but the Blues just have them outgunned in every facet. James Tedesco to pull man-of-the-match honours and get them home. Blues by 6
Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)
It’s a big ask to head to the cauldron that is Suncorp and win a decider, but this Blues team will do it. NSW outclassed Queensland in game two, particularly in the halves. Cleary and Walker will repeat that. Blues by 12
Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)
Riding a wave of confidence after dismantling the Maroons in game two, the Blues will do what they did last year and kick on to another series win. Blues by 12
Tupou thrives off Tedesco’s self-belief
Lone Scout (NRL.com Fantasy guru)
The crowd will be all on Queensland’s side so they’ve got a huge chance of pulling off a boilover here, but I’ll tip the Blues’ stars to get the job done - just. Blues by 1
Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)
The home ground advantage will be massive for Queensland and the return of Cameron Munster will be a huge boost to their chances. Maroons by 4
Joel Gould (NRL.com reporter)
The Maroons should be boosted by the return of lynchpin Cameron Munster and prop Christian Welch. At home, where they have only lost two deciders, they'll get the job done. Maroons by 2
Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)
Brad Fittler’s men will ride a wave of momentum from game two’s victory to a third consecutive series win. It’ll be closer than in Sydney, but NSW have found their groove and will prove too classy. Blues by 12
My favourite Origin moment - Gorden Tallis
Martin Lenehan (NRL.com senior journalist)
A full house at Suncorp Stadium is worth a couple of tries to the Maroons and Cameron Munster's presence would give them a huge boost but it won't be enough to stop the NSW juggernaut which hit top gear in Sydney. Blues by 10
Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)
It’ll be a tough ask, but the Blues will get the job done at Suncorp Stadium. James Tedesco seems to thrive with the captaincy and I feel he’ll turn in one of the great Origin performances. Blues by 12
Kenny Scott (NRL.com podcaster)
A mouth-watering decider is on offer, however, the usual script of a determined Queensland underdog team reveling in the heat of the cauldron while a star-studded NSW team can’t get into gear won’t be repeated. The Blues simply have too much talent. Blues by 8
Game three tickets are selling fast. Be a part of the largest crowd since lockdown!
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARL Commission, NRL clubs or state associations.
