Queensland warhorse Peter Civoniceva says Steve Price will be with him when renews Origin hostilities with NSW in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Clearly moved by Price's emotional retirement last week, Civoniceva said a piece of his front-row partner would be with him for as long as he continued to play for Queensland.

"It was hard to watch," admitted tough guy Civoniceva of Price's tearful retirement announcement because of an ongoing foot injury.

"There's a mate there with whom you've experienced the good and the bad and thankfully a lot of the good lately.

"It's hard when you see a champion of his calibre not go out on his own terms after he's been such a wonderful player.

"But you can't take away what a great champion he's been and he'll always live long in the memories of Queensland supporters as he will with Dogs and Warriors fans."

Price, who played his first Origin in 1998 and Civoniceva who debuted in 2001, formed Queensland's front-row 14 times in the 17 games they played together.

Civoniceva said nothing had been confirmed but he hoped his good mate would be in camp in Sydney before the big game.

"He'd be a really important part of the third game and I hope he's there," he said.

"He may not have played in this series but he can be satisfied with what he's done in terms of a legacy he's left behind with his leadership in 2006 which is why we're now on this roll."

Queenslanders have talked a lot about keeping their composure against the Blues who have employed niggling tactics during the series.

Civoniceva expected NSW to "throw everything at us" on Wednesday night.

"Nobody wants to have their name associated with a 3-0 clean sweep," said the 26-game veteran.

"I think the boys were fantastic what they did in the second game. They didn't get caught up in it and they played football first they got the result because of that.

"It may have gone the other way had we taken bitten into some of their tactics."

Queensland captain Darren Lockyer was satisfied preparations were on course for a clean sweep after an impressive opposed session against Queensland Residents on Sunday at their make-shift field at the Hyatt resort.

"Our preparations have been a hell of a lot better than last year," said Lockyer of the Maroons' loss in the third game.

"NSW will have put in a lot of work and they key for us will be to get off to a good start.

"The longer the game goes without us inviting them into the contest, the better it's going to be for us.

"We've prepared for everything, whether it's a bad call from a referee, a bad bounce or a bit of niggle, the things we can't control, we've prepared to deal with all those things if they happen."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP