Maroons duo ruled out; Dearden to make Origin debut

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has today confirmed Corey Oates and Tom Dearden will play in Game III of the State of Origin series.

Oates joined the Maroons in camp last night to prepare for his ninth State of Origin match in Queensland colours.

His call up comes after a string of consistent performances for the Brisbane Broncos and his selection in Queensland’s 22-player squad for Game II.

He replaces Murray Taulagi, who has been ruled out of the decider at Suncorp Stadium after a PCR swab confirmed he has COVID-19.

With Cameron Munster also having returned a positive PCR swab, Dearden will come into the Maroons 17 with the final line-up still to be confirmed.