Do it for JT - that's the motto Josh Papalii hopes a beaten Queensland pack adopts as they prepare for State of Origin redemption.
Papalii said Maroons forwards were not short of motivation for Origin II after NSW's big men steamrolled them to inspire a record 28-4 game one win in Brisbane.
But Papalii believed veteran playmaker Johnathan Thurston's return from a five-week shoulder injury would further inspire the pack to help Queensland keep the series alive.
Thurston is playing his final Origin series after announcing he will retire from representative football at season's end and Papalii says the Maroons are determined to send him out a winner.
Asked how Queensland's forwards would conquer the Blues' big boppers, Papalii said: "Origin has got a lot of emotion running through the game - hopefully we can win for JT.
"It's winnable. We've just got to wear their giants out."
Queensland coach Kevin Walters said Thurston's aura alone had lifted the Maroons in Origin camp.
Thurston was forced to miss game one due to the shoulder complaint sustained in May's trans-Tasman Test but proved his fitness for Origin II with a masterclass on his NRL return in North Queensland's win over Parramatta.
He eased concerns about his shoulder before the Eels clash with pre-game tackling practice on giant Cowboys teammate Coen Hess, who will make his Origin debut on Wednesday night.
"It was great to get a game under his belt," Walters said.
"It just makes his preparation a bit easier.
"The difference it makes to our side? Just his aura - he is the best five-eighth in the game.
"It's great to have him back in the side."
Walters believed Thurston's final two Origin games would help usher in a new chapter in Queensland football history.
The coach has made seven changes and blooded four debutants for game two.
More new faces are expected with the Maroons officially undergoing a changing of the guard.
In addition to Thurston, the Origin futures of skipper Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles and Jacob Lillyman are up in the air.
"Bringing in some new legs will bring a new mindset, a new energy to the place," Walters said.
"Queensland has had such a great 10-year period.
"I am looking at it as an opportunity for these guys to come into the team and make their own little mark on Queensland's Origin history."
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