Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris has admitted Cowboys enforcer Carl Webb came close to selection but loyalty ensured an unchanged Maroons side was named for the Origin series decider in Sydney on July 2.

Webb was expected to pressure Broncos forward Ben Hannant for Origin III at ANZ Stadium.

However Morris said selectors felt they had to keep the faith with the line-up that produced a record equalling 30-0 Origin II win over NSW at Suncorp Stadium.

"There was certainly some discussion about Carl Webb," Morris said.

"He has been playing extremely well over the last few weeks but these guys have done the job for us.

"I know Carl was hurting pretty badly after missing the last one but unfortunately an opportunity has been given to other players and they have taken it."

Webb's prospects were not helped by his NRL club's woeful run - a record eight straight losses.

Hannant maintains his place on the Maroons bench.

Bronco Karmichael Hunt will don the No.1 jersey with Billy Slater coming off the bench.

Gold Coast utility Ashley Harrison - who also started game two despite being initially named on the bench - has been chosen in the second-row for Origin III.

Melbourne rake Cameron Smith will again captain the team in the absence of Darren Lockyer (knee).

In 13 previous visits to ANZ Stadium, Queensland have managed only one win and a draw with 11 losses.

Queensland: Karmichael Hunt, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Brent Tate, Israel Folau, Johnathan Thurston, Scott Prince, Steve Price, Cameron Smith (capt), Petero Civoniceva, Michael Crocker, Ashley Harrison, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Billy Slater, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday.

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