Inglis set to celebrate Origin No.30

Only one statistic about Greg Inglis concerns Queensland coach Kevin Walters ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin III – game No.30.

On paper, Inglis is having a quiet series.

He may be Origin’s leading try scorer but the powerhouse centre has failed to register a line break let alone a four pointer in 2016.

However, Walters is convinced a milestone will bring the best out of Inglis – and Queensland in game three in Sydney.

Inglis will become the ninth Queenslander – and just 10th overall – to join the 30 Origin club, featuring current teammates Cameron Smith (a record 38), Johnathan Thurston (35 straight) and Nate Myles (30).

Walters said it would be a bonus if Inglis added to his record try tally of 17 in game three.

But the Maroons mentor was more concerned with Inglis savouring his landmark game.

“It would be nice if he got one (try) but the boys need to make sure his 30th is as special as his first one,” Walters said.

“We know how much he loves putting the Maroons jumper on.”

Inglis, 29, faces the prospect of going try-less in a series for the third time since his 2006 debut.

The only series in which he has failed to cross for Queensland were 2008 and 2014.

And for the first time since his 2006 breakthrough Inglis may finish a series without registering a line break.

Inglis has a record 28 Origin line breaks after eclipsing Mal Meninga (27) last year.

But Walters was only worried about what he saw from Inglis on the Maroons training paddock this week.

“He is big, he’s fast and he’s strong – that’s all I have seen,” Walters said.

“He’s an Origin player. He loves that arena.”

Still, Walters said they would defy what are expected to be greasy ANZ Stadium conditions on Wednesday night and opt for an open game in a bid to involve Inglis more.

“We will try to play as open as we can – we have some great attacking players,” Walters said.

“I thought Greg Inglis was outstanding in game two – we intend to give him as much possession as we can.”

A game three victory would seal Queensland’s fifth series whitewash – and put Inglis in another elite Origin club.

He is aiming to become just the fifth player in Origin history to be involved in 20 wins.

The other members are all Queensland teammates – captain Smith, Thurston, Myles and Sam Thaiday.

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