Grant, Lee in for Queensland as Bennett rings changes
DALLY M rookie of the year Harry Grant will be thrust into an Origin decider debut after Wayne Bennett wielded the axe on the misfiring Maroons.
Grant will play his first State of Origin game for Queensland off the bench in Wednesday’s series-deciding match against NSW at Suncorp Stadium after Bennett dropped utility Ben Hunt.
Melbourne premiership-winner Brenko Lee is also in the mix to debut in place of winger Phillip Sami, who had a horror performance in Queensland’s Game Two loss.
While Bennett has named Corey Allan on the wing, News Corp understands the South Sydney rookie will drop out of the 17 if Lee overcomes a calf strain.
Lee will have a fitness test tomorrow and should he get the green light from Maroons medicos, the Storm giant will make his Origin debut at right centre with Dane Gagai to return to the wing, edging out Allan.
Prop Christian Welch will return from concussion, with Dunamis Lui reverting to the bench and Titans forward Moeaki Fotuaika dropping out of the 17.
Five-eighth Cameron Munster was on light duties at yesterday’s training session as he returns from concussion.
The elevation of Grant will ease the load on starting hooker Jake Friend and give the Maroons spark around the ruck.
“I saw Harry as captain of (the Storm) under-20s and he’s always had that natural leadership ability,” Welch said.
“If he gets his opportunity, I am sure he will do a great job and complement Jake really well.
“He’s already one of the premier hookers in the comp in my eyes and brings a bit of spark and creativity.”
Hunt – Queensland’s player of the year just 12 months ago – conceded he was in the firing line after his below-par defensive effort in Origin II.
“It was a very tough night,” Hunt said.
“The Blues wanted it more than us from the kick-off. They got stuck into us and we were on the back foot and we really hurt ourselves.”