The Maroons are set to hand Melbourne Storm forward Christian Welch his Origin debut, according to a report by Fox Sports' James Hooper.

It is believed that Welch will replace Gold Coast Titans prop Jarrod Wallace as Queensland looks to bounce back from a horror game two loss.

Broncos prop Joe Ofahengaue will also be named on Monday, according to Hooper.

Welch is enjoying a fine season for the Storm and was originally named to play in game one before suffering a knee injury.

Kevin Walters will also need to find a replacement for Kalyn Ponga after the star fullback was ruled out of the Origin decider with a calf injury.

Hooper's likely Queensland team for Origin III

1. ???

2. Corey Oates

3. Michael Morgan

4. Will Chambers

5. Dane Gagai

6. Cameron Munster

7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)

8. Dylan Napa

9. Ben Hunt

10. Josh Papalii

11. Matt Gillett

12. Felise Kaufusi

13. Josh McGuire

14. Moses Mbye

15. Christian Welch

16. Joe Ofahengaue

18. Tim Glasby

19. Kurt Capewell

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. Keep Munster at five-eight. He’s been one of our better players so far and him and Kaufusi work really well on that edge. Move Micheal Morgan back to fullback and bring in a new centre. Moses Mbye has been playing centre for the Tigers recently and he’s had some QLD game time, or could move Gagai into centre and bring in Kyle Fedlt. Otherwise there is still Justin O’Neil, Corey Thompson or Hymel Hunt.

    Personally I’d keep Gagai at wing cause I think he has obviously done well in that position before and his combo with Chambers is good. So I’d move in a centre and I think Hymel Hunt would be the most inform. He’s strong and a good ball carrier and pretty good on defence he’s just abig young and raw. Other than that I’d keep the team names above 1-17. Would have Granville over Capewell in the extended bench but that’s nothing.

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