NSW's determination to up the tempo of their game is underlined by statistics showing Queensland came up with three times the quick play-the-balls of the Blues in State of Origin I.

According to NRL Stats, the Maroons managed 14 fast play-the-balls to NSW's six at Suncorp Stadium, where the home side enjoyed 58 per cent of possession in the 16-12 win.

Ruck speed has been a key message since Blues coach Ricky Stuart picked six regular backrowers and just two specialist props in a mobile pack for Origin II this Wednesday night.

Captain and Cronulla lock Paul Gallen moves up to the front row, while Beau Scott, Ben Creagh and Greg Bird start in the back row and Anthony Watmough and Luke Lewis are on a new-look bench.

Tim Mannah and Trent Merrin are the only recognised props in the 17.

"We thought we could have got a bit more opportunity or space and I think with Luke Lewis and Chocky Watmough, and then obviously (Kurt) Gidley who will come off the bench, they're great runners and they've got good speed," halfback Mitchell Pearce said.

"I think you've got to use that to your advantage for sure.

"Luke Lewis runs awesome lines but he's also got great speed so I think certainly our game-plan will probably revolve a bit more around that and Sticky (Stuart) spoke about that."

With so few props in the squad, it is likely the Blues' backrowers will be called on to fill in at times up front, but they will be expected to continue to play at top speed in what is already one of the the fastest games on the league calendar.

"It's important that guys like your Choc Watmoughs and your Luke Lewises and your Greg Birds, that will spend time in the middle there, really up the tempo there and try and get Queensland's big guys working hard," hooker Michael Ennis said.

Former Blues five-eighth and current Sydney Roosters captain and backrower Braith Anasta said the plan had the potential to make NSW more dangerous.

"Watmough and Lewis are seasoned campaigners, they're both quick and have got good footwork around the ruck and they can cause a bit of damage for the big Queensland forwards," Anasta said.

"It probably evens it up a bit more and it definitely makes NSW a more dangerous attacking team all over the park."

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