With Cameron Smith joining the broadcast team as a special guest and a potential world-record COVID crowd attendance, the stage is set for a monumental State of Origin decider in Game 3, EXCLUSIVELY LIVE on Nine and 9Now from 7.00pm AEDT tonight.

After being ambushed by a gallant Queensland side in Game 1 in Adelaide, New South Wales had a dominant win in Game 2 in Sydney last week. And while they are the series favourites, the Blues’ record for winning deciders north of the border is poor – making this an enticing contest that could come down to the wire.

A capacity turnout of up to 52,000 spectators is expected tonight, giving Suncorp Stadium the biggest crowd in the sporting world since COVID hit. The famous cauldron will be at boiling point, and those in Queensland can snap up the remaining tickets via Ticketek.

Joining the Wide World of Sports broadcast team as a guest commentator is Maroons great Cameron Smith, who has won four out of five series deciders at Suncorp and played in more State of Origin games than anyone – 42. No player could offer a better perspective on what it will take for the young Queenslanders to prevent the Blues from winning three series in a row for the first time in 15 years.

Comedy duo Roy & HG return for a third and final preview ahead of the big game, reminiscing as only they can on their favourite moments and players in Origin history.

NSW coach Brad Fittler has stuck with the squad that got the job done convincingly in Game 2, with James Tedesco relishing the captaincy and the new halves combination of Cody Walker and Nathan Cleary looking deadly every time they had the ball.

Wayne Bennett, on the other hand, has made several changes to the Maroons, including three Origin debutants: Edrick Lee on the wing, Corey Allan at fullback and Harry Grant on the bench. Cameron Munster is a confirmed starter after lasting only two minutes in Game 2 due to a head knock.

Viewers will have the option to stream the game live on 9Now, and there will also be supplementary streams available, focusing on stars Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster and following them around the field.

It shapes as one of the most enthralling games in Origin’s 40-year history, on a night when legends will be made and a paper-thin line separates thrilling victory from agonising defeat.

For further information please contact Nine Publicity:
Jason Evans
E jaevans@nine.com.au

Wednesday, November 18, 2020