NRL Rd 2 - Titans v Broncos
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: David Fifita of the Titans celebrates during the round two NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium on March 19, 2021, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Gold Coast Titans second-rower David Fifita has been officially ruled out of State of Origin Game 3.

The QueenslandMaroons edge forward, who was set to play off the bench in Game 3 next Wednesday, has failed to have his dangerous contact charge overturned at the NRL judiciary.

The hit came against Raiders half Sam Williams during the Titans big win over a dreadful Raiders side on Saturday evening.

Anthony Laffranchi, who was representing Fifita, said that Williams had engaged Fifita and his skill as a ball-player left Fifita with limited time to make a decision.

The NRL prosecutor however, argued that Fifita had plenty of time and the hit on Williams was careless.

The judiciary panel took just over five minutes to reach their verdict, rubbing Fifita out of Origin 3. The 140 points he receives will only keep him out of one game however, meaning he will be able to play for the Titans when the NRL returns to full steam ahead in Round 18.

Francis Molo was in the Queensland squad as 18th man and is now likely to join the bench for the Maroons. He and Fifita, however, play completely different roles and so it may see a reshuffle for the Queenslanders.

Thomas Flegler was the only other forward in the squad, and like Molo, isn't a like-for-like swap to Fifita, who has been on a wrecking ball mission for the Titans in club football this year.

It may force the Queenslanders to go outside the squad, with only Tino Fa'asuamaleaui now able to play second row from the bench. Jadyn Su'A and Coen Hess are two potential options to be called into the Origin squad.

The venue for Game 3 of the series is still yet to be determined due to Sydney's COVID outbreak and lockdown, with the NRL due to make an announcement in the coming days.