Also at stake is a spot in the Queensland squad for the third and deciding State of Origin encounter at Suncorp Stadium.

The crunching hits and powerful carries from Papalii could be just what the Maroons need to counteract the no-holds-barred approach of the young bulls from NSW.

The Raiders second-rower is the first to admit his form at the start of the season wasn't up to scratch.

He returned from the Four Nations campaign with the Kangaroos overweight and took time to adjust to a move to the front row.

But since he's been reinstated on the edge, Papalii's form for the Raiders has skyrocketed to the point where he's in the frame for an Origin recall.

"I've definitely changed my season around and much happier with how I'm going," Papalii said. "I was struggling in the first half of the season because I was playing front row and I was a bit overweight.

"I guess I've trimmed down a little, and I'm back on the edge where I feel more comfortable.

"I played second row for a couple of years, but I was put in the front row at the start of the season. There's no excuses for my bad form, just not playing well."

Lillyman is the player most likely to miss out if Papalii is called up. The Warriors front-rower is a workhorse, but hasn't made an impact in the opening two games of the Origin series.

Also at risk is Brisbane Broncos second-rower Matt Gillett if the Maroons want to go with more impact off the bench.

This is Papalii's final chance to impress Queensland coach Mal Meninga, with the Raiders having the bye next week.

"I'm taking this game first," Papalii said. "If I get the call-up, I get it. "If I don't, I'll do the job here."

The Blues monstered the Queensland forward pack in game two.

Canterbury Bulldogs tyro David Klemmer showcased his side's aggressive mindset, taking the contest up to the Maroons in a terrific display.

Papalii is more than capable of fighting fire with fire. He has tangled with Blues skipper Paul Gallen in the past and this season delivered a contender for shot of the season on Maroons and Broncos forward Josh McGuire.

Papalii had a bird's-eye view of the Blues' aggression as 18th man for the Maroons in game two.

As he has in previous assignments with the Maroons, Papalii would be expected to spend time in the front row when he comes onto the field.

He couldn't ask for a better warm-up than taking on a monster Warriors pack featuring arguably the world's best front-rower, Ben Matulino.