State of Origin 2018: Maroons team announcement postponed after Greg Inglis breaks thumb, DCE call up
Daly Cherry-Evans' long standing State of Origin absence appears to be over as reports emerge the Manly captain is set to don the coveted Maroons no.6 jersey ahead of Game Three.
It is understood Ben Hunt will be pushed to the bench in place of injured Kalyn Ponga to make way for Evans, who hasn't played Origin football since 2015.
The news comes as the Maroon's scheduled Origin III squad announcement was pushed back “as late as the morning of Monday,” after captain Greg Inglis suffered a broken thumb in Sunday’s heated encounter between South Sydney and the Cowboys.
The injury is another woe to add to the long list for Queensland coach Kevin Walters, who’s 2018 Origin campaign has been less than desirable.
AAP
The loss of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and a host of Maroons incumbents has contributed to NSW’s dominant series display as they look to ice the series with a 3-0 whitewash when they travel to Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.
Heir apparent to Billy Slater, Kalyn Ponga strained his hamstring playing for the Knights on Saturday night, ruling him out for the Maroons heading into Game Three.
Ponga made his debut for Queensland in game two and was one of the Maroons' best players in the 18-14 loss to NSW.
Inglis was fierce in the Rabbitohs’ clash with the Cowboys in Cairns on Sunday night, as the visitors managed to steal a victory with a late field goal as they enjoy their time atop the NRL ladder.
