Mystery surrounds who will replace injured Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga after coach Kevin Walters unveiled his State of Origin III squad featuring debutants Corey Norman and Christian Welch.
Walters has also kept NSW guessing over his starting pack for the July 10 series decider in Sydney after dumping forwards Dylan Napa and Jarrod Wallace.
The Maroons coach kept his cards close to his chest on Monday, naming a game three squad in alphabetical order.
Adding to the intrigue, Walters claimed he had already made up his mind over who would replace Ponga at fullback after the Newcastle star was ruled out with a calf injury.
But Walters said he would not confirm the Maroons' custodian until later in the week.
"I am not sure what day it will be. I haven't said anything to the player yet," Walters said.
"There's been a squad announced and we will sort the positions out later in the week."
Walters at least threw up some options - Norman, Michael Morgan, Cameron Munster and Moses Mbye.
Remarkably none of them are currently playing fullback in the NRL.
"There is a list a mile long. We are very fortunate in that department that we have a lot of great and talented players that will do the job for Queensland," Walters said of his No.1 options.
Incumbent Maroons centre Morgan filled in at fullback for an injured Billy Slater in Origin I last year.
But Queensland five-eighth Munster is tipped to wear the No.1 jersey in Sydney with St George Illawarra playmaker Norman slotting into the halves with captain Daly Cherry-Evans.
Walters admitted Ponga's injury was a major blow but said he was not tempted to bring him into camp in a bid for the Knights match-winner to prove his fitness.
"There is no chance of that happening. The Newcastle medical staff and coaching staff have ruled him out through injury," he said.
"They feel as though he has got to go on a rehab program for the next two or three weeks - we respect that."
Walters also would not give much away about his pack after recalling Joe Ofahengaue and blooding Welch following the Maroons' 38-6 game two loss in Perth.
Napa and Wallace were axed after Queensland's forwards were dominated in Perth with only back-rower Felise Kaufusi running 100m.
Brisbane's Ofahengaue is tipped to partner Josh Papalii in the front row after returning from a knee injury that ruled him out of Origin II, while Melbourne prop Welch is expected to feature off the bench.
Welch was in consideration for game one but was overlooked after suffering a knee injury.
"He will bring plenty. He is one of those guys we just couldn't leave out," Walters said of Welch.
Walters was still confident Queensland could seal their 12th series in 14 years.
The Maroons have won the past two series deciders in Sydney - in 2008 and 2013.
Queensland game three squad:
Will Chambers, Daly Cherry-Evans (capt), David Fifita, Dane Gagai, Matt Gillett, Tim Glasby, Ben Hunt, Felise Kaufusi, MosesMbye, Josh McGuire, Michael Morgan, Cameron Munster, Corey Norman, Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue, Josh Papalii, Christian Welch.
AAP
