Queensland had dropped the previous three series and were harshly criticised for surrendering a comfortable lead in game one of 2006 despite only losing 17-16.

Lockyer said yesterday the attack on his leadership and stinging criticism of Queensland's pack led by Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price had been a defining moment in his rugby league career.

It was his second series playing with a young but exciting Johnathan Thurston and he admits they were still a little ''too tentative'' until faced with the prospect of losing a fourth successive series to the Blues.

Queensland reshuffled their backline for game two with Karmichael Hunt returning from injury and Mogg forcing his way on to the wing.

Mogg helped himself to two tries in his debut at Suncorp Stadium as Queensland avoided history, winning 30-6. He then scored a crucial try to help get Queensland home 16-14 in the decider in Melbourne.

''The try he [Mogg] scored in Melbourne ... if he doesn't score that, are we in this position?,'' a reflective Lockyer said.

Mogg is currently playing for the Catalan Dragons, coached by former Queensland captain Kevin Walters, in the UK Super League.

Lockyer again refused to buy into speculation that tomorrow night's Origin, his 30th since his debut in 1998, will be his last. He said the 2006 series would always hold a special place in his memories.

''I think it was a defining moment,'' he said.

''It was Mal's first game as coach and Johnathan and I were still trying to form a new combination that night and we were probably a little hesitant about things.

''Then all the criticism came out and that just kick started everything.

''The intensity we showed in game two to win 30-6, that just gave us the confidence, not just in our ability, but the spirit we wanted to play with and we've just built on it.''

Queensland had a chance to finish the Blues off 3-0 in 2007 and failed which Lockyer recalled was not a great feeling in front of 50,000 fans. AAP