THE NEW ‘KIDS’ THE CUSTODIANS CENTRES OF ATTENTION LOCK AND KEYS

Matt Prior (NSW) v Kalyn Ponga (Qld)

Elkerton: With injury forcing his hand, Blues coach Brad Fittler has opted for the experienced Matt Prior. The workhorse prop will make his Origin debut at 31 years of age, but Fittler is counting on Prior’s big-game experience.

McInerney: Among the most exciting prospects in the NRL, Kalyn Ponga gets his chance but his success will depend on how he is used. Electrifying speed, safe hands, vision and a lethal step make Ponga a fantastic fullback, but he may have to convert his 80-minute efforts into a single, game-breaking moment if the gamble is to work.

James Tedesco (NSW) v Billy Slater (Qld)

Elkerton: The man affectionately known as Teddy was far from soft in Origin I. Tedesco was at his barnstorming best with 17 tackle breaks and more than 200 running metres. He was electric for the ‘Baby Blues’ and will need to be on song again if they are to seal the deal.

McInerney: A Queensland loss could see the curtain drawn on Slater’s Origin career. Slater must get his defence spot on or he risks being blown away by Tedesco. With the series on the line, he can’t afford any mistakes.

Latrell Mitchell/James Roberts (NSW) v Greg Inglis/Will Chambers (Qld)

Elkerton: Latrell Mitchell (pictured) and James Roberts more than passed the test in game one in both defence and attack. Mitchell had more opportunities than Roberts but don’t expect it to be that way forever. Jimmy the Jet can blast open the game if he finds open space around the best defensive centre in the game.

McInerney: Greg Inglis (pictured) shone in game one, pulling off some monster hits and making metres with the ball. Will Chambers, however, was upstaged by Mitchell. Both men need to step it up, and the only way to do so is if they get more early ball from the halves.

Jack DeBelin (NSW) v Josh McGuire (QLD)

Elkerton: If there was one area where Queensland had an advantage over the Blues in game one, it was their physicality. While DeBelin was relatively quiet in Melbourne, he has been the form back-rower of the comp and hits as hard as any player in the game. McInerney: The no-nonsense Bronco has never taken a backward step at Origin, but McGuire and his fellow forwards have to find a way past the advantage line. They failed to lay any sort of platform in Origin I.