The veteran of 17 State of Origin games says Canberra Raiders star Papalii has a "critical role" to play in forcing the series to a decider after the Maroons fell behind the eight ball.

Loyalty went out the window as Queensland coach Kevin Walters looks to halt New South Wales on their home turf at ANZ Stadium on June 21.

Walters dropped a handful of big names and looks like shifting Papalii into the front row to contain Blues wrecking ball Andrew Fifita.

The Blues "can smell blood in the water" and Moore says Papalii will have a massive say in whether or not the series stays alive heading into game three.

Moore says the time is right for fresh blood in the Maroons camp and Papalii's status as one of Queensland's most experienced forwards - despite playing just seven games - means he has to put his hand up as a leader.

"It's paramount that those sort of blokes like himself, [Matt] Gillett, and [Josh] McGuire really step up," Moore said.

"You've got Smith and Cronk and those sort of guys, they're the barometer of experience. But there's a second tier in experience level, and you need someone like Papalii and Gillett to really lead from the front and show all these younger guys, 'this is how we do it in the forward pack'.

"He has to take on that leadership role basically. While he could sit back and Myles, Scott and those players were leading from the front last year, these guys can't sit back and be quiet.

"They're the ones that need to lead with actions and also a few carefully placed words."

While he tips the scales at 114 kilograms and stands 183 centimetres tall, Papalii is a reserved sort of character that might not say much on the paddock.

Instead he lets his football do the talking and Moore says Papalii's presence in camp will fuel the fire for a hurting Maroons outfit.

"You don't have to dig very deep to find motivation to beat New South Wales, especially in Sydney," Moore said.

"If you are a person who is not someone to give a big Churchillian speech, that's cool.

"When it comes to game time, then you show why you are one of the premium forwards in rugby league and why you wear an Australian jersey, because you are a great player and when the big occasion comes, you're able to show your wares."

Moore has no concerns about Papalii's ability to play in the front-row but questions whether or not Queensland have the firepower to cover his impact on the right-edge.

The former Queensland lock believes Papalii could filter into the back-row when he comes on for his second stint in a bid to "terrorise James Maloney".

Queensland were tortured up the middle in a 28-4 loss in game one and Moore says things will only get tougher from here - but there should be no shortage of motivation.

"New South Wales, not only do they smell blood in the water, they can see that 80 minutes away is a State of Origin shield," Moore said.

"To beat them in front of their crowd will be a great humbling experience because we want to be one-all and to come back to our house, because it's Johnathan Thurston's last game.

"We want to make sure it's not a dead rubber. We want to try and send him out with the opportunity to leave the State of Origin arena as a winner."