Papalii vows to provide spark

QUEENSLAND impact forward Josh Papalii admits he was hampered by a knee injury in State of Origin II but has backed himself to ignite the Maroons’ bench in Wednesday night’s series decider in Brisbane.

Canberra wrecking ball Papalii cut a frustrated figure despite Queensland’s stirring 18- 16 game two win after admitting he was dominated by the giant NSW pack. Papalii said he had been troubled by an ongoing knee issue but was ready to provide welcome punch off the bench in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium.

“Old injuries are starting to come back,” Papalii said. “I guess it held me back in Game Two. I just had a bad game.

“Every time I was running I was getting dominated – I have to be a bit smarter.”

Asked how he would do that, Papalii said: “Don’t run straight into David Klemmer.”

Papalii said he had heeded public calls from former Maroons coach Mal Meninga for the Queensland bench to provide more in Game Three.

“Personally I was a bit disappointed with my performance,” he said. “I have to bring more energy off the bench, that is my job.”