Queensland hooker Cameron Smith has slammed NSW selectors' chop and change policy, saying they haven't learned from their past mistakes.

"Obviously there were going to be some changes made but I didn't think there were going to be so many," Smith told Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday.

Desperate to avoid a first Queensland whitewash since 1995, NSW have named three debutant front-rowers for next Wednesday's third State of Origin clash against a Maroons side that has already sealed a fifth successive series win.

"They've got a brand-new front row. Although the guys playing in the back-row in this team have got some experience, it's like they don't learn their lesson.

"They just keep chopping and changing and trying to find the guys that can win one match and then hopefully they can keep fit or not get suspended and be available for the next match."

The Blues selectors have made a total of eight changes to the side, with four players to make their debuts, and a new captain in Trent Barrett.

Smith said it will be hard for coach Craig Bellamy to settle the team with only a week to prepare for game three.

"In a week it's hard to bring a team together, especially when you've got guys making their debut," he said.

He also criticised selectors for leaving out St George Illawarra's in-form five-eighth Jamie Soward.

"If they were ever going to give him a shot it should have been this game," he said.

"I heard Laurie Daley say last night that with such a young half like Mitchell Pearce, they wanted a more experienced five eighth like Trent Barrett beside him.

"But is Trent Barrett going to be around next year? Probably not.

"Why not chuck a young bloke in there and see how he goes? They've got nothing to lose, have they?

"If he goes no good then at least they know next year when they're moving forward to try to find a young guy for the future."

Smith promised that there would not be a repeat of last year's controversial lead-up to Origin III, when a group of Queensland players were alleged to have mixed energy drinks with prescription drugs.

"The guys that were involved last year are certainly very sorry about what they did last year and I can assure you guys that it won't be happening this time and we'll be well-prepared for game three," he said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP