Chambers looking to Hodges for inspiration

He may be stepping into the big shoes left by Greg Inglis but Will Chambers hopes to emulate another Queensland great in Wednesday’s State of Origin series opener.

After missing last year’s Origin series with a broken foot, Chambers has been asked to step up in game one for veteran centre Inglis, who is out with a season-ending knee injury.

Chambers baulked at any comparisons with 30-game Origin star Inglis but hoped to do his best Justin Hodges impression in game one at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

Chambers said he looked at ex-Maroons centre Hodges’ game in a bid to take his form to the “next level” upon his return from injury.

Now rewarded with an Origin return, Chambers hoped to inject himself into games more like Hodges, who became the master of the dummy-half run.

“That was one thing that I thought could take my game to the next level,” Chambers said of Hodges’ game.

“The way the game is going it is so important to go and help your ruck out.

“I wanted to get more involved in the game instead of just chilling out in the centres, get my hands on the ball a little bit more and look for work.”

He may have a chance to cement an Origin centre spot with Inglis sidelined but Chambers believes there is “only one GI”.

“I am not going to be able to do what GI does – I am no chance,” said Chambers ahead of his fifth Origin.

“GI is a special talent (but) it’s good to be back in this arena. I missed it last year.”

Meanwhile, Chambers has reportedly agreed to a new three year, $2 million deal with NRL club Melbourne after knocking back interest from the Sydney Roosters.

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