Joe O wants another go at Blues as attention turns to Harry

Hulking Wests Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue wants an opportunity to make amends for Queensland's night to forget in the State of Origin series opener.

Ofahengaue's spot in the Maroons line-up is expected to go under the microscope with Paul Green set to make changes in a bid to keep the series alive by winning game two at Suncorp Stadium on June 27.

The likely return of Josh Papalii into Queensland's forward pack means Ofahengaue will need a big game against the Storm on Saturday to push his case.

"It's one week at a time for me but it's in the background," Ofahengaue said this week.

"You never take those opportunities softly, especially in the Maroons side. It's a very hard side to make. They're very selective with their players.

"If I get the call, I get the call, if I don't, so be it. We lost by 50 so I think he [Green] will be making some changes.

"I've just got to do my best for the Tigers. My focus is to get this win against the Storm."

One player seemingly assured of an Origin spot is Ofahengaue's Queensland teammate Harry Grant, who was underdone with match fitness in Origin I.

If Grant and the Storm get the better of Wests Tigers, Ofahengaue's bid to retain his spot may get a little tougher.

The former Wests Tigers hooker will take on his old club for the first time this weekend after giving his services to the joint venture on a loan deal in 2020.

Grant will come off the bench for the defending premiers with Brandon Smith's form making it hard to remove him from his starting role.

Opposite number Jacob Liddle, who was recovering from an ACL injury for most of last year before playing alongside Grant on four occasions, said his former teammate left a lasting impression at the club.

"Harry's a good bloke who is genuine, so it will be a good challenge this week," Liddle said.

"We did a lot of extras together, he was good to have around. He's come from the system in Melbourne so had a lot of good habits around training.

"I took as much as I could from him. He's the benchmark at the moment for hookers."

While Grant's combination with Smith at the Storm is one of many threats for the visitors, Liddle said there was only one way to be the competition leaders.

"Bring the right attitude," he said.

"Have a defensive mentality first. I think our attack can take care of itself."

Origin II in Brisbane is sold out but tickets are still on sale for game three at Stadium Australia in Sydney on July 14 - get your tickets at NRL.com/tickets.