Queensland bloods new faces for Origin decider
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Queensland have named Dragons playmaker Corey Norman and Storm prop Christian Welch to make their Maroons debuts in what coach Kevin Walters believes will be "the biggest game in Origin history".
Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue has also won a recall for the State of Origin decider at ANZ Stadium on July 10.
The Maroons named their side on Monday morning in alphabetical order with Norman into the squad in the absence of star fullback Kalyn Ponga who was ruled out of the Sydney decider with a calf strain. Jarrod Wallace and Dylan Napa have been dropped.
There is conjecture over who will play at fullback for Queensland with Norman one of the options after lining up there for the Broncos as a teenager in 2010 on debut and again for a full season with Brisbane in 2013.
Walters said he would wait before finalising the make-up of how the team will line up.
"That will be later in the week, I'm not sure what day it will be," he said.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
"We've got to make the tough calls sometimes, we weren't up to scratch in game two.
"I've faced this challenge before as a player and won and faced it as a coach and won. I know what we have to do this week and my trust hasn't wavered. There's been a few changes in personnel but we're expecting to win."
Norman's elevation is a personal triumph for the 28-year-old who has experienced some tough times away from the playing arena.
He was slapped with a $20,000 fine and suspended for eight weeks in 2016 for a range of conduct breaches which included drug possession.
The Maroons brains trust noted how Norman had changed his ways and matured in recent times and invited him into the emerging camp this year on the Sunshine Coast.
"Corey Norman, the reaction from him. He's been playing in the NRL for 10 years now waiting for a chance at this level," Walters said.
"Now here he is on the big stage in a decider. Knowing Corey and his personality he's looking forward to the occasion. I've looked at his last month of football, he's been really good for the Dragons. He's formed a really good partnership with Ben Hunt. The bigger the occasion the better he will go."
Norman's move from the Eels to the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2019 has been a success.
He has been one of the Dragons' best each week and was in the frame for a utility position for the Maroons until he suffered a fractured cheek in the round eight loss to the Eels which ruled him out of Origin I.
After returning for the Dragons in round 13 he was called into camp in Perth where he gained an insight into the Maroons’ backline plays.
The Maroons were unhappy with the impact made by their middle forwards in the 38-6 loss to NSW in Perth and Dylan Napa and Jarrod Wallace have been axed as a result.
Napa, carrying a broken hand, played the opening quarter of the match but failed to make an impact. Titans prop Wallace replaced him but was also unable to dominate.
Welch was on the cusp of a Maroons debut for Game One until he injured his meniscus in the round 10 win over Wests Tigers.
The 24-year-old returned for the Storm in round 13 and was the Maroons' 18th man in Perth where he was on standby for Napa.
"Christian probably should've played in Origin I. Everyone has seen what he's done in club land. We just couldn't leave him out, you just notice him out there and that's what's got him in the side. He's one that earned his spot," Walters said.
Match Highlights: Maroons v Blues
Ofahengaue impressed in the 18-14 win at Suncorp Stadium in Game One where he suffered a deep gash to his leg.
The Broncos forward was unavailable for Game Two in Perth but has been rushed back into the side after lining up for Brisbane in the round 15 loss to Newcastle.
"It is a massive boost for the side and for Joe. I called him last night and he had been waiting all day for the call to come in. His desire is there," Walters said.
"He got a taste for it in Game One and then unfortunately missed Game Two through injury but he is back now and that is a huge boost for Queensland and for Joe because we know what he is capable of in the middle when it counts. Joe will be giving it his all.”
The Maroons are aiming to repeat the heroics of the 2013 Queensland side that prevailed 12-10 at ANZ Stadium in the series decider on the back of a tough and gritty defensive display.
"It's been a big part of Queensland history, the underdog tag and backs against the wall. Game one we were really good, no one wants to talk about that. We don't want to talk about game two," Walters said.
"The exciting thing is for Queenslanders is there is a decider.
"It's going to be the biggest game in Origin history.
"Every game means so much to me for Origin, as a player, assistant coach and supporter I love Queensland. I love winning, and the series is still alive for us."
Match Highlights: Maroons v Blues
