Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson's message for heartbroken Queensland fans

Queensland Maroons fans will still be feeling the pain and heartbreak of a State of Origin Series decider defeat to the New South Wales Blues, but they have another chance to cheer a team on to victory at ‘Lang Park’ this weekend.

Nathan Cleary received the Wally Lewis Medal after starring in a dominant 30-12 win, with the Blues reclaiming the SOO Shield. More than 52,000 fans packed the stands at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the match, setting the tone for a huge week of sport in the River City.

Rugby Australia announced on Saturday morning that the upcoming Nations Championship Test between the Wallabies and Six Nations champions France has sold out, which is the second full house in as many matches for the Aussies.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, who went to high school at St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace and plays for the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific, is expecting Queensland fans to bring the noise in what looms as another marquee sporting event.

“I think there’ll be a few supporters coming on Saturday who need a win after Wednesday night,” Wilson told reporters outside Suncorp Stadium.

“I know Queenslanders, how vocal they are in supporting and I think it’s going to be no different tomorrow night.

“We didn’t come in [to watch Origin]. We watched it at the hotel. We had a big Thursday session so had to do the right thing by the body but we’re at the hotel watching, the boys supporting both states and it was quite fun in the team room.”

The Wallabies are looking to bounce back this weekend after an agonising 33-31 defeat to world number three Ireland in Sydney. Dylan Pietsh and Jock Campbell touched down for early tries, as the Wallabies raced out to a strong lead during the first term.

But the Irish fought their way back into the contest, with ill-discipline from the Wallabies emerging as a talking point post-game. Ireland took the lead with less than three minutes remaining, with the Wallabies missing a late chance to snatch the four points.

Fly-halves Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson have both since been ruled out of the team’s next match in the Nations Championship, with debutant Declan Meredith brought straight into the run-on side at No. 10.

Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell will provide fly-half cover off the bench. Reds utility Filipo Daugunu has earned a spot on the bench after missing out last week, with Tate McDermott the other backline player in the replacements.

“It’s never ideal to lose two of your three 10s in one week,” Wilson said.

“For us, we knew at the start of the week that Carter was no good so it gave Declan a full week to prepare and know that he’s playing, and he’s been really good.

“None of us really knew Declan before he came in here and he’s been a really good, loud voice and he’s really grabbed it this week and I’m really excited for him.”