Coach Mal Meninga has pulled boom centre Greg Inglis aside on the eve of the State of Origin decider to advise him to ignore the media circus that has engulfed him since Origin II.

Meninga, who says he expects NSW coach Craig Bellamy to spring some late starting surprises on Wednesday night, revealed he'd taken the unusual action after Inglis was bombarded by media flattery following his starring role in Queensland's 30-0 win.

There's no doubt the NSW-raised Inglis - with his huge sidestep and massive fend - is the player the Blues fear most in Queensland's explosive young backline.

His scintillating performance against NSW at Suncorp Stadium triggered a flood of praise and predictions from former players - some suggesting he'd retire as one of the game's greatest players.

Meninga was alarmed enough by the head-swelling articles to take steps to ensure his star centre's mind was totally focused on the high stakes game.

"Greg's had the crap detector on all week," said a clearly annoyed Meninga, angered by the possibility Inglis could be distracted by all the media hype.

"They've written up an enormous amount of stuff about him.

"I've talked to Greg about it and he basically doesn't read it, he doesn't need to.

Queensland regard Inglis as their match-winner but in the past he has been known to be inconsistent.

"Greg will play as well as he's allowed to play and as well as his forwards allow him to play," said Meninga.

"He'll play very well tomorrow night."

While Meninga was uncertain about some parts of the Blues' starting line-up he's convinced 19-year-old rookie Mitchell Pearce, who Queensland plan to test out along with fellow rookie Joel Monaghan, will take the field as starting halfback.

"Maybe they'll start with (Ben) Cross in the front-row with Willie Mason on bench and maybe (Kurt) Gidley will start at fullback with Stewart on the bench," said Meninga, who holds the Origin record of 161 points from 32 games.

"I don't think they'll put Mitchell Pearce on the bench.

"They won't want him sitting on the bench getting eaten up by all his nervous energy.

"He's be better off playing straight away.

Queensland expected Mason and other NSW players criticised after game two to come out swinging in front of their home fans.

Asked if he thought Mason and Paul Gallen would answer their critics with big games Meninga said: "I do."

"I expect those people (who've been criticised) to respond.

"I'm expecting Willie to come out and play a terrific game tomorrow night."

Meninga admitted he was looking forward to the 16th and final round of the lightweight fight between rival hookers Danny Buderus and Cameron Smith who first clashed in Origin in 2003.

Buderus, playing his last game for NSW before heading to England, can pass Brad Fittler's captaincy record and also equal Laurie Daley's record of leading the Blues to three series wins.

"It'll be a ripper," said Meninga.

"They're instrumental players for both side, they handle the ball more than anybody else and they'll have a big bearing on the way the team goes."

Asked if he thought Bellamy would produce something special, Meninga said: "Craig won't but he'll be hoping his players are special."

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