Morgan not afraid of Klemmer

Even Queensland wrecking ball Josh Papalii is daunted by the prospect of stopping NSW’s David Klemmer.

But Maroons bench utility Michael Morgan says he is not afraid of taking on Klemmer again despite being trampled by the Blues bruiser in the State of Origin opener.

Bench utility Morgan lasted just 20 minutes on the field before being concussed and forced from the field after trying to stop Klemmer.

Morgan is back in a positive frame of mind ahead of Wednesday’s Origin II in Brisbane after the team worked hard at their Gold Coast camp with Maroons defence coach Trevor “The Axe” Gillmeister.

“It’s not something I am scared or worried about, even after what happened in game one – it’s just part of the game,” Morgan said of taking on Klemmer.

“They have got big forwards and they pick them for a reason.

“They will try to run over anyone who is in front of them.

“I will still try and go in there and do my job and tackle who I have to.”

Morgan’s enthusiasm is yet to rub off on Papalii.

The Canberra juggernaut admitted it was a terrifying thought trying to stop the giant Klemmer and his high knee running style.

“You go too low and you are going to cop one in the head, you go too high and he will push you off,” Papalii said.

“To be honest I go into most tackles closing my eyes and hoping for the best.”

Papalii said lessons with Gillmeister had taught the team that size wasn’t everything in Origin.

“That’s why Gilly is in camp to teach us the technique, how to handle their big boys and bring them down,” he said.

“Look at those old tapes and you watch him put on a shot and the ball comes out.

“Size doesn’t really matter.”

Still, NSW’s giant pack has been duly noted by Papalii and the rest of the Maroons forwards.

Queensland must combat them without pack leader Nate Myles (knee), missing just his second game since his 2006 debut.

“You can’t miss those boys on the bench,” Papalii said of Klemmer, Andrew Fifita and Tyson Frizell.

“They have a lot of giants on their team.

“It would be stupid running in between those massive fellas otherwise you will end up getting crushed.

“We have spoken about it as a forward pack.

“You have to play smart against those big fellas, try and keep them moving instead of trying to ram them.”

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