Former Queensland Maroons assistant Anthony Seibold believes the absence of Cameron Munster is a setback that the side could ill-afford just days out of the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Storm star Munster, who was player of the match in Game I, was ruled out of Game III after testing positive to COVID-19 alongside Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi.
Seibold said that Munster has proven himself to be a match-winner in the Origin arena and his absence will be a major blow.
“It’s an enormous out for the Queensland camp,” Seibold said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“He is someone who can do something special.
“In his debut for Queensland, he wore the number six jersey and took the line on a number of times.
“He made a number of line breaks and was dominant in a man of the match performance.
“They’ll miss him because he’s done this before when it’s been 1-1 and headed to a series decider.
“Queensland will miss him but I’m sure they’ll be full of effort.”
North Queensland playmaker Tom Dearden is set to make his debut in the Origin decider and replace the unavailable Munster.
Dearden had a rocky start to his NRL career and after being let go by the struggling Brisbane Broncos, he has since exploded at five-eighth for the much-improved Cowboys.
“It’s great to see Tom Dearden come into the 17,” Seibold continued.
“I gave Tommy his debut back in 2019 and it’s great to see him going so well.
“I always knew that he was a potential star of the game.
“He’ll fill in admirably I’ve got no doubt, but he’s not Cameron Munster.”
The Maroons have not lost a decider at Suncorp Stadium since 2005 and will look to extend that streak when they play the NSW Blues on Wednesday.