QUEENSLAND coach Mal Meninga has turned up the heat on his side ahead of the Origin decider by admitting he has not been completely satisfied with the Maroons' performances in the first two games.
The Maroons have struggled with their execution this series without the cool-headed organisation of former skipper Darren Lockyer, putting pressure on his five-eighth replacement Johnathan Thurston to fire in the Suncorp decider next Wednesday night.
Emboldened by their 16-12 win in Origin II, the Blues are growing in confidence and believe they have finally struck the right formula in team balance and attitude to end Queensland's six-year interstate dominance.
While praising his side's commitment and desire, Meninga said the major lesson he has learned from the opening two matches is Queensland's need to be more clinical across the board.
Meninga's warning came as the Maroons prepared to launch their preparations for Origin III with the first training session at a rain-soaked Stockland Park on the Sunshine Coast today.
"We have always talked about preparation and the effort has been there but we have let ourselves down a bit in execution," Meninga said.
"We have to come up with the right formula, the right plan and the right team to get on with the business of winning the decider.
"It is getting more difficult each year. Ricky (Stuart, NSW coach) has a very good side, they believe they are more desperate than us and they understand the cauldron of Suncorp Stadium.
"It's a challenge each game we play. It's different to club footy, you have to focus intensely on each game and you only have three games so every time you put the Maroon jersey on you have to be at your best.
"It's about how we handle it all. The side has to realise NSW are coming to our home and we have to start well."
While the Maroons are sweating on the fitness of injured fullback Billy Slater, Queensland hierarchy do not expect Blues hitman Glenn Stewart to take a knee injury into the decider.
Asked about how the Blues were shaping up after naming another extended squad, Meninga said: "I don't really care to be honest with you, it will sort itself out.
"We have had to endure this before in regards to their make up. We will plan around what to expect, we don't expect Stewart to play but we have to make sure we are settled to prepare as best we can."
Maroons prop Petero Civoniceva said he was not concerned that Queensland's 20-man squad could derail their preparations.
"It's not disruptive at all," he said.
"It's something we have to deal with week in, week out with our own (club) teams.
"You get guys who are carrying injuries into games every week and it's a process.
"The core of our team is our strength and we've got some great combinations that has brought us a lot of success over the years.
"I'm sure that familiarity will help us in our preparation."
