State of Origin III selection AS IT HAPPENED: Slater's massive Maroons gamble confirmed; Blues make no changes

With no Laurie Daley presser this morning, that wraps up our live coverage of Origin III teams.

Check back through the day for more analysis and coverage.

Slater responded to comments from Phil Gould from Origin II that the Maroons only played well for 30 minutes in the first half.

"It would be nice to turn 30 into 80 ... field position and possession actually didn't go in our favour, so they are two things we need to swing," he said.

And with that, that ends his presser.

Slater denied the knee injury that sidelined Reece Walsh for six weeks was the reason the fullback position went to Hammer.

"Reece wouldn't be here if he was injured ... it was purely for what was best for the benefit of the team," he said.

Walsh has played three matches since his return from injury.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow won the race to the Maroons No.1 jersey, when many thought it should be given to Reece Walsh, who is 18th man.

"I think it's the right fit for the footy team right now," Slater explained.

"I think he's in a great stage of his career. Reece is a great player ... it's a great luxury to have both of them in camp.

"I don't think you can make a wrong decision there, I just think this is the best fit for our footy team, and Hammer deserve his opportunity in the one jersey."

Gehamat Shibasaki was the other big inclusion to this Maroons team. Only six months ago, he was on a train-and-trial deal with the Broncos and playing QCup in Townsville.

Now, he's about to make his Origin debut.

"Gehamat's story is an inspiration ... the rise in his game over the last six months has been exceptional," Slater said.

"It will be a dream come true for the young lad from Townsville."

Slater said he came into contention about a quarter of the way into this season.

"Maybe round six or seven. He's playing some great football, great defender, got great principles in his game off the footy.

"And he's a big body. He's doing a great job with the footy as well."

Billy Slater opened his presser by explaining his decision to recall Josh Papalii.

"It's probably something I've had in the back of my mind for a couple of years now, in particular this year the way he's been playing for Canberra," he said.

"I thought this team could benefit from a bit of Josh Papalii ... he's still got that fire to represent this footy team.

"He's got an aura about him, he's a real warrior and has been for this footy team for a long time. What will give his teammates belief (is) if Big Papa going out there and doing his job, that's all he has to worry about

"I thought he could add something to our footy team. That was purely the decision around it... I've never discarded it, never put a line through it.

"Although he's retired I always thought he would love to come back for another game."

As he has ahead of Origin I and II, Billy Slater will speak to media shortly after his team was released.

No word if we'll hear from Laurie Daley today after he named an unchanged starting side.

So as was widely expected this morning, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has won the race to the Maroons No.1 jersey ahead of Reece Walsh, who has missed out completely and been named at 18th man.

Broncos journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki will replace Hammer at centre and Val Holmes moved to the wing.

Josh Papali'i has also earned a recall for what will likely be one final Origin appearance. He last played in 2022 and announced his rep retirement in 2023. He replaces Mo Fotuaika.

Billy Slater has released his team for Origin III:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Xavier Coates 3. Robert Toia 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tom Dearden 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Trent Loiero 14. Kurt Mann 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Jeremiah Nanai. Extended bench: 18. Reece Walsh 19. Josh Kerr 20. J'maine Hopgood