Forget Andrew Fifita. It's Josh Dugan that should be getting more ball.
That's the opinion of former NSW State of Origin star Shaun Timmins, who has called Dugan to put Michael Morgan through the wringer in his first career start in the centres.
Morgan will line-up opposite Dugan next Wednesday night after an injury to game two three-quarter Darius Boyd left the Maroons scratching for options in a new-look backline.
Although he produced the crucial pass that set up Johnathan Thurston's game-winning conversion in game two, it will be the first time Morgan will start a match in the centres.
And Timmins wants Dugan to give Morgan the full experience.
"He looks like that type of versatile player but in saying that, centre is one of the hardest positions to defend," Timmins told AAP.
"You've got numbers coming at you, you've got to make a decision whether you're going to go in on that lead runner or you've got someone coming out the back."
Timmins, who famously kicked a clutch field goal in game one of the 2004 series, believes Morgan will be a threat with the ball but could be a weak link in defence.
"He'll carry the ball well but I'm sure the Blues will be sending some traffic his way and he's going to have to make some decisions," Timmins said.
"He hasn't played there a lot, so I'm sure he's going to be feeling a bit of pressure there."
Timmins also said Dugan could also be motivated by the Maroons' decision to switch first-choice centre Will Chambers from the left side to the right against Jarryd Hayne.
"I thought it was quite strange," Timmins said.
"It either shows a bit of respect to Hayne that he is dangerous, or they really wanted to target him. He's quite an aggressive player, Will Chambers. I think he's trying to unsettle Hayne.
After having the day off on Friday, the NSW team will beef up their preparations with another field session on Saturday, hopefully with captain Boyd Cordner.
The Blues second-rower has yet to hit the training paddock since tearing his calf in the game two defeat in Sydney but is racing the clock to be fit for the match.
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