Squads have been named for next week's Origin decider in Brisbane, with NSW coach Laurie Daley going far beyond tweaks with six changes after being run over in game two, and Billy Slater making three changes to his Queensland outfit.
After disappointment in Melbourne, allowing the Maroons to level the series with six second half tries, Knights centre and Kamilaroi man Bradman Best has been recalled for his first Origin appearance in two years, with Kotoni Staggs return into the Blues jumper coming to an end.
In a major decision, Brian To'o has also been left out of NSW's squad, joining Api Koroisau and Wiradjuri man Dylan Lucas as those also making way ahead of game three.
Jack Bostock is set for a debut taking To'o's spot on the wing.
Tolatau Koula moves from the centres to the no.19 jumper, with Stephen Crighton back into the side as his replacement, having been dropped for game two.
Liam Martin moves into Lucas' no.12 jumper, Haumole Olakau'atu has been recalled to the bench and Blayke Brailey will offer dummy half support wearing no.17.
Chasing back-to-back series, and their first win at Suncorp since 2023, Slater has opted for some adjustments ahead of next Wednesday's decider in front of home fans.
Concussion protocols made the decision for front rower Lindsay Collins, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki losing his spot on the bench and Heilum Luki unable to hold on, after joining the squaad for game two.
Patrick Carrigan, Corey Horsburgh and Jeremiah Nanai have all come into the squad.
After starring performances in the Maroons' second half onslaught at the MCG, Selwyn Cobbo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will again run out hoping to lift the shield on the wing and at centre, respectively.
Reuben Cotter appears set to run out at lock for his 13th game for Queensland.
Reece Walsh has also been selected in the squad.
The last time Brisbane hosted a decider in 2024, NSW ran in the game's only two tries to claim a 14-4 win and the shield for the first time in three years.
It was Best, playing his second Origin game after debuting the previous year, who ran in for the Blues first midway through the second half.
It's this kind of experience Daley has chosen to go with ahead of a do-or-die meeting.
"We probably just needed someone there that has experienced Lang Park before, someone that's a big body, defends really well, carries the football strongly," Daley said on announcing the squad.
"That combination of Bradman and Jack (Bostock) can give us something a little bit different to what we've had.
"Bradman is a big game player, and he's never let New South Wales down in the past."
On To'o, Daley added: "He's given great service to New South Wales, and I'm sure he'll be back, but just for this game, we just feel like we just needed to make that change."
To'o has played 17 straight Origin games for the Blues since his debut in 2021.
Pressure continues to mount on Daley, as he chases a second series win across seven years in charge across two stints.
Questions have been raised over the Indigenous team of the Century member's selection decisions and use of the bench, but he was unwilling to make a call on his future after naming his side for next Wednesday night.
He said those questions about his job "doesn't worry me at all" with his focus on the game ahead.
"My heart and soul has been put into this, and if anyone thinks I'm not going to be as prepared as I have ever been to coach a footy side in this game, they'll be shocked or shouldn't be surprised because I'll be doing my best to get this team to win," he said.
Queensland may well have already wrapped up the series if not for Kalyn Ponga's send off in game one, with NSW storming back a man up to snatch a 22-20 win in Sydney.
A 12-8 halftime lead in Melbourne was easily outdone when Queensland ran in six tries to two - led by a Selywn Cobbo hat-trick, to make it 1-1 heading to Brisbane.
