But Lockyer reckons prop Josh Papalii must be the difference for the Maroons if they are to avoid a repeat of NSW's game two rout in Perth.

Former Queensland captain Lockyer has given the thumbs up to Munster's move from five-eighth to replace the injured Kalyn Ponga in the must-win clash.

"I think he is going to be a threat in the middle of the field," Lockyer told Nine Network.

"Kalyn likes to get out on the edges and use his pass to try and create an overlap but I think Munster likes to run the football.

"Getting him into fullback he will bounce around a lot in the middle of the field and that is dangerous (for NSW).

"Obviously with Ponga not there is disappointing, but Munster is just as exciting."

Maroons official Lockyer also liked the look of St George Illawarra playmaker Corey Norman who will fill the pivot vacancy created by Munster in Origin III.

Norman has been thrust into the starting halves on Origin debut in a series decider but Lockyer believed the Dragons star was up to the task.

"Corey Norman gets an opportunity and what he brings in shape and structure and, with a great left foot boot, our kicking game shouldn't be impacted at all," he said.

But Lockyer admitted the brilliance of Munster and Norman would mean nothing if Papalii did not step up.

Canberra wrecking ball Papalii ran just 66m as Queensland's forwards were steamrolled in their 38-6 game two loss in Perth.

Lockyer said all Maroons forwards had been put on notice after being dominated in Origin II but believed Papalii must be the man to answer the call.

"We talk about Munster and Norman but if those guys (forwards) don't lay a platform it means nothing," Lockyer said.

"I think Papalii is the key to the forward pack.

"They have to make sure they do not give any space for NSW to move or it could potentially be a repeat of game two.

"Because that is where they dominated in game two, with NSW in the middle of the field and their line speed.

"If they do that again they ensure that the Qld backs have nothing to work with."

Former Maroons forward Sam Thaiday believed recalled forward Joe Ofahengaue would provide Papalii ample assistance.

Ofahengaue made an impressive Origin debut in Queensland's series opening 18-14 win but missed game two with a knee gash.

He will start in the front row on Wednesday with Papalii after receiving the all clear from his sickening injury suffered in game one.

"I am glad he gets his chance to start," he said.

"Joe will want to repay their faith with a starting position and just charge into the line."

Australian Associated Press