Queensland Maroons will welcome the unexpected return of lock forward Pat Carrigan for the upcoming State of Origin III decider, scheduled to take place at Suncorp Stadium on July 10. Carrigan, a key figure for both the Maroons and Brisbane Broncos, has made a remarkable recovery from ankle surgery performed less than a month ago, defying initial expectations that he would miss the remainder of the series.

The Broncos player sustained the ankle injury during a match against the St. George Illawarra Dragons on May 31 and was initially ruled out for an extended period. However, intensive rehabilitation and medical intervention have accelerated his comeback. Broncos head coach Michael Maguire acknowledged the rapid turnaround, emphasizing the player’s understanding of his own physical condition and the quality of medical support at his club.

Carrigan’s reintroduction into the squad comes amid the absence of Roosters prop Lindsay Collins, who was sidelined due to a concussion sustained in last Friday’s game against the Broncos. Queensland’s need for reinforcement in the middle forward positions has prompted the Maroons coaching staff to consider Carrigan as a valuable asset to bolster their lineup.

In addition to Carrigan, winger Jeremiah Nanai has also earned a recall for the final match of the series. Nanai, a dynamic player for the North Queensland Cowboys, missed the early part of the season recovering from shoulder surgery but has since returned to form. His performance in the recent Cowboys upset victory over Penrith, where he scored two tries, solidified his selection. Nanai is set to add a combination of power and agility off the bench, complementing the team's physical approach.

Queensland coach Billy Slater faces strategic decisions ahead of the decider after his side’s resounding 44-24 victory in Origin II. The addition of Carrigan and Nanai provides the Maroons with increased depth and versatility as they aim to counter New South Wales at their home ground.

While Carrigan’s form and fitness will be closely monitored leading up to the game, his potential involvement represents a significant boost to Queensland’s forward pack, which has faced challenges due to recent injuries. Slater’s final team selection is expected to weigh the benefits of Carrigan’s experience and impact against his physical readiness after surgery.

The three-game Origin series remains tightly contested, and the upcoming match at Suncorp Stadium promises a high-stakes encounter as Queensland seeks to reclaim the title on home turf.