Brimson, Horsburgh called in as Maroons eye Origin clean sweep

Queensland coach Billy Slater has called on several fresh faces for Game Three of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series as the Maroons look to secure the first series clean sweep in 13 years.

Raiders prop Corey Horsburgh has been named make his Origin debut after he was part of the extended squad earlier in the series while AJ Brimson takes over at fullback for Reece Walsh, who is ruled out with suspension.

Horsburgh's inclusion comes at the expense of Broncos prop Thomas Flegler, who is unavailable for selection with a foot injury.

"There was a reason why Corey was in the squad in Game Two, he's been impressive through the first half of the season and built some really good habits in his game," Slater said of Horsburgh's elevation to the 17. 

"You can tell when players have a great off season and Corey's one of those guys who has built a great base to his fitness levels, regularly plays 70 minutes straight for the Raiders and Ricky Stuart, the coaching staff have done a great job with the development of Corey and no-one more impactful than himself.

"Corey's knuckled down, focused on his footy and focused on what's important in his footy and you see that regularly every week, so that's the reason why Corey's earned the opportunity to play for Queensland."

Brimson - who was 18th Man for Game Two - returns to the starting line-up at fullback after making his Origin debut in the position in 2020.

"He's had a bit of a checkered run with injuries AJ, but every time that he's come back –and he came back from a hamstring injury only a few weeks ago – he just hit the ground running, I was really impressed with his performance," Slater said.

"That was the reason why he was the 18th Man for Queensland in Game Two.

"And you don't just get those opportunities for the experience.

"You get those opportunities because you deserve them.

"And if the opportunity to wear a Maroon jersey comes up, the selectors, the coaches, we're all comfortable with those players playing for Queensland.

"So, that's the case for the 18th and 19th men from Camp Two, they're in the in the team this time.”

The Maroons are otherwise unchanged from their series-clinching win in Brisbane with Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden named as 18th Man, while Eels forward J'maine Hopgood joins the squad as 19th Man.

The Maroons are chasing their fifth clean sweep in Origin history having achieved the feat in 1988, '89, '95 and 2010.