As much as we want our respective states to seal the Origin series in two games, there’s something universally exciting about a Game III decider.
It’s the pinnacle of Rugby League. The pace, the pressure, the physicality – it all hits a different level. The tension rises to something near unbearable. It’s brutal, yet beautiful.
And this one’s especially hard to pick.
In a rare twist, the losing team – New South Wales – head into the decider with the same 17 that went down in Game II, while Queensland, despite winning, have made both forced and voluntary changes.
It’s smart from both camps. If Zac Lomax had nailed just two more kicks last game after the Blues scored more tries, they’d already be planning the victory parade. So, for Queensland, there’s a lot to tighten up.
Billy Slater’s reshuffling is bold but calculated. Moving Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback to replace the injured Kalyn Ponga opens the door for Gehamat Shibasaki’s debut – a gamble, yes, but one with real upside. Hamiso brings freakish speed and vision, while Shibasaki’s strength and aggression could give the Maroons the physical edge they’ve lacked out wide.
The return of Josh Papali’i is also massive. Having a seasoned, powerful middle forward like him could be key to matching – and challenging – New South Wales’ size and strength up front.
That said, the Blues have shown even in their Game II loss, that when they’re disciplined, they’re just too strong. Their athleticism, ball movement, and relentless physicality give them the edge. And with Nathan Cleary steering the ship behind a well-balanced forward pack, it’s hard to tip against them.
But one thing’s guaranteed: this will be a real fight. A decider takes everything about Origin and multiplies it. Every tackle stings more. Every error hurts more. And no one walks off the field with anything left in the tank.
And honestly, that feels a bit like where we’re at spiritually right now.
It’s like we’re in our own Game III decider. The battle between faith and a secular, often hostile culture isn’t new – but it’s hitting a tipping point.
We’re not just seeing moral values questioned anymore. We’re seeing the very freedom to believe, to worship, and to live our faith publicly being challenged. Our society is drifting fast – and it’s drifting away from God.
So what do we do?
We fight – not with violence or outrage, but with truth, courage, and conviction. There’s no more room for bench-warming and fence-sitting. We need men and women who live the faith boldly, speak truth with love, and raise their families to know God.
That starts with the basics: going to Mass regularly, knowing Scripture, and nurturing our own interior life. It means letting our faith shape every part of our lives – including how we vote, how we speak up, and how we engage with the issues that shape society.
We don’t get to sit this one out. We need to give it everything, especially now.
Just like in the Origin decider, there’s no room to hold back. We can’t leave anything in the tank.
I’m tipping New South Wales to win Game III. But regardless of how it goes, we know the kind of effort it’ll take: heart, sacrifice, unity, and fight.
The same is true for the church. Spiritually speaking, we’re facing our decider – and it’s time to take the field.