THE KEY MATCH-UPS

MOSES MBYE (QLD) V TOM TRBOJEVIC (NSW)

READING between the lines here, but it is likely Queensland will start with Mbye in the centres, relegating Michael Morgan to the utility bench spot he has filled so well in years past. It is a big call because it will mean Mbye marks up against Tom Trbojevic who was electric in game two, scoring three tries. Neither plays in the centres in club land but both are wildly talented and have speed to burn. Mbye offers great ball skills and fancy footwork but will need to shape up in defence. Questions were asked of Trbojevic ahead of game two but he rose to the occasion, though Queensland were on the back foot for most of the game and didn’t ask much of him defensively. With more ball and a better effort from the forwards, expect Queensland to attack this part of the field.

BEN HUNT (QLD) V DAMIEN COOK (NSW)

THE two hookers have been their sides’ best across the two games of the series so far. Cook’s running game is a constant threat for NSW, while Hunt leads Queensland’s line speed in defence and his kicking from dummyhalf is outstanding. On any quick play-the-balls from NSW, Cook will be away and running with James Tedesco in support. Queensland’s forwards will need to make sure they dominate the ruck to avoid this. Hunt’s service from dummyhalf will need to be accurate to keep his playmakers on the front foot. His combination with club teammate

Corey Norman will be one to watch. Also, expect

Hunt to attempt a few 40-20 kicks on tackles three or four. Don’t be surprised to see Hunt run the ball more often in game three, especially if the Queensland forwards aim up. Also, Cook has a dangerous short kicking game from dummyhalf. New Queensland fullback Cameron Munster will need to position himself well to defuse these.