The thought of Queensland X-factor Greg Inglis playing at fullback was supposed to be NSW’s worst nightmare.
But in an ominous warning, Inglis hopes to cause headaches no matter where he plays in next week’s State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Inglis has been a revelation since being switched from centre to fullback by South Sydney coach Michael Maguire in round three of the NRL.
And according to Blues legend Laurie Daley, NSW would hate Inglis to do the same for Queensland in Origin III.
However, Inglis said he would adopt a more attacking mindset in game three whether he replaced the injured Billy Slater or not.
Asked if he could do more damage at fullback, Inglis told AAP: “I think it is about finding a way to get my hands on the ball more.
“Obviously at fullback, you get more chances but, if I end up in the centres, I will try to do that too.
“I want to get more involved.”
Queensland were accused of mind games when they included Slater in their 20-strong squad for game three.
The Melbourne dangerman will be given until Saturday to prove he’s overcome his knee injury with Inglis, Matt Bowen and Darius Boyd in the mix to replace him.
“NSW will probably hate to see Inglis at fullback given that his strength this season has been unbelievable,” Daley told Fox Sports TV.
“He can roam from side to side and he can attack through the middle.
“That’d be the player that NSW would least like to see there.
“When Greg Inglis is on the left side, you know where he is but, if you’ve got him at fullback, you just don’t know where he can pop up.”
Maguire has already endorsed Inglis as the “perfect replacement” for Slater.
Inglis returned the favour when he reflected on his 11 memorable games as the Rabbitohs’ No.1.
“I love a good challenge,” Inglis said.
“I have been under Michael Maguire before at Melbourne and he throws a challenge at me every week especially at training.”
Inglis was not sweating on the uncertainty surrounding the team, instead lauding the versatility and experience of back-up players such as Bowen and Dane Nielsen.
“We’ve got this great bunch of players that can squeeze into the side who have been in there before.”
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