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.”
Balmainslipperyeel
Guest
I think that potentially, Greg Inglis could be more damaging at fullback than Billy. His fend is lethal and when he is in full stride, much harder to stop. Billy has slightly more speed than GI, but gives up 15-20kg in weight. Who would you rather tackle, Billy or Greg? I'd say Billy.
Dan
Guest
I don't understand some queenslanders saying they are not losing anything with Inglis at fullback, umm you've lost Billy slater. Wake up! Go the blues!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Craigie
Guest
Greg has to play no 1. Taylor has to be there aswell. We need someone to combat big Tony. Only roach that I truly fear.
spek
Guest
Yes i hope Qld play him at full back as well - inspite of the fact that causes more re-shuffle of the backline than slotting matty bowen in there. the spine is stronger with him there and NSW have done a reasonable job of keeping him quiet in the centres with some in your face defense from Morris. give GI room to move and roam and how knows what may happen. Still matty bowen is great alternative as well. however based on south sydney experience GI could well be a massive revelation at full back spek
Pot Stirrer
Guest
At leat if they put Ingliss at fullback they will weaken thier centre pairing which will be a huge benefit to the blues.