Queensland impact forward Josh Papalii admits he was hampered by a knee injury in State of Origin II but has backed himself to ignite the Maroons bench in Wednesday night’s series decider in Brisbane.
Canberra wrecking ball Papalii cut a frustrated figure despite Queensland’s stirring 18-16 game two win after admitting he was dominated by the giant NSW pack.
Papalii said he had been troubled by an ongoing knee issue but was ready to provide welcome punch off the bench in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium.
“Old injuries are starting to come back. It didn’t help that we were playing in minus eight against the Broncos (two weeks ago),” Papalii said.
“I guess it held me back in game two. I just had a bad game.
“Every time I was running I was getting dominated – I have to be a bit smarter.”
Asked how he would do that, Papalii said: “Don’t run straight into David Klemmer”.
Papalii said he had heeded public calls from former Maroons coach Mal Meninga for the Queensland bench to provide more in game three.
“Mal has been a great coach of the Maroons, any advice I will take on board,” Papalii said of Meninga who led Queensland to nine series wins during his 10-year tenure.
“Personally I was a bit disappointed with my performance.
“I have to bring more energy off the bench, that is my job.”
Papalii hoped to provide spark but believed Queensland lock Josh McGuire was now the Maroons pack leader.
Brisbane forward McGuire has hit the ground running this year slotting into the Maroons No.13 jersey left behind by retired lock Corey Parker.
“Everyone follows Cam (Queensland skipper Cam Smith) and what he does but of the big blokes Moose (McGuire) is the most experienced,” Papalii said of seven-Origin gamer McGuire.
“Moose is trying to share that leadership role and everyone is trying to follow.”
Melbourne’s Cameron Munster enjoyed some more time at training on Friday slotting into his new role as Maroons five-eighth at the Queensland Gold Coast camp.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters on Thursday opted for Munster at No.6 instead of Michael Morgan.
