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Papalii backs same Qld pack to turn tables

Queensland forward Josh Papalii has backed the same forward pack from State of Origin I to turn the tables on NSW in game two.

Queensland forward Josh Papalii
Josh Papalii has backed the same Queensland forward pack from Origin I to turn the tables on NSW. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Josh Papalii believes the same Queensland forward pack can turn the tables on NSW as calls grow for the Maroons to make wholesale changes after a lacklustre State of Origin opener.

Papalii was one of Queensland's best-performed forwards during their 28-4 drubbing at Suncorp Stadium.

Dylan Napa made a strong debut before a knock to his knee curtailed his influence while fellow prop Nate Myles struggled to have any impact as did bench forwards Sam Thaiday, Aidan Guerra and Jacob Lillyman.

Maroons great Justin Hodges has urged coach Kevin Walters to wield the axe and retire Myles and Lillyman from Origin duty.

But Papalii said the players selected in Origin I were hungry to make amends and keep the series alive in Sydney.

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"Personally, myself, I don't think changes would be good at this time," Papalii said on Tuesday.

"I reckon you've got a few forwards hurting there from game one ready to try and win the second one."

"But I'm not the selectors, I've got to make sure my name's read out and hopefully that happens."

The Blues' Andrew Fifita was named man of the match for his dominant performance after continually bending Queensland's defensive line and scoring a try.

Papalii said Queensland needed to find a way to stop the Cronulla big man who teamed up with David Klemmer and skipper Boyd Cordner for a clear win in the forwards battle.

"We just couldn't (stop him) that Wednesday night," Papalii said.

"I thought Fifita played a massive role in the NSW win.

"You have to go back and do a bit of video and see how we can limit that."


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