Damien Oliver to lead Western Australia
Champion jockey Damien Oliver will receive the baton in a handy position as he leads Western Australia in the final leg of the State of Origin jockeys series.
The Parnham brothers, Brad and Chris, have represented WA in the first two legs of the three day series.
However, Oliver will replace Brad Parnham on the final day at the Gold Coast on January 7.
Brad Parnham won a heat on Sir Donald at Doomben on Saturday to lift WA to equal third place on 17 points.
Dylan Dunn, who won the other heat for South Australia on Binalong Road, will return for the final day and team with Dom Tourneur.
South Australia is in equal second place with 17 points.
NSW is on 33 points and a short-priced favourite to take the series.
Tye Angland and Josh Parr will wear the sky blue colours on the final day.
New Zealand is in second place on 22 points and Michael Walker will return to join Damian Browne for the Gold Coast meting.
Brad Rawiller and Chris Symons (Victoria) and Jim Byrne and James Orman (Queensland) will round out the riders for the final leg.
Racing Queensland series organiser Brett Clulow said there was a maximum 32 points available for each team on the final day meaning the series could be won by any state.
“As we saw at Doomben on Saturday teams can pick up points quickly and it is the making of an exciting final day,” he said.