State of Origin II, 2018: for James Tedesco as Slater, Napa train

Tedesco tore the Maroons to shreds in the opener and his name was called out more than once as Queensland went through an opposed at Sanctuary Cove against the Residents team.

NSW were too fast through the middle at the MCG, allowing Tedesco to take full advantage. His contribution to Queensland's 50-plus missed tackle count was sizeable.

Returning Maroons fullback Billy Slater had nothing but admiration for his opposite number and said Tedesco would be even more motivated with the series now on the line.

"He was terrific. He's a fantastic player, he was always involved. He's dangerous through the middle of the field and he's willing to take you on," Slater said.

"He was one of the best players in game one and will be looking to replicate that on home soil. He benefits off a lot of quick play-the-balls. We need to be aware of where James is at all times."

Slater completed the session with his hamstring injury and remains on track to play, while medical staff were confident Dylan Napa would line up after he ran for the first time since injuring his ankle.

NSW prop Paul Vaughan is braced for backlash from the maligned Queensland pack as the Blues look to put the series to bed at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

The Maroons big men have been slammed for their lack of impact at the MCG, with front-row duo Dylan Napa and Jarrod Wallace two of the main targets for criticism.

Napa will have his syndesmosis injury assessed on Thursday while coach Kevin Walters said he’s given Wallace a “second chance” after a sub-par effort in game one.

Wallace responded to the knockers on Tuesday saying critics ‘‘look at stats and don’t watch games.

He found an unlikely ally in Vaughan who scoffed at suggestions the Blues pack did it easy in game one.

“I don’t read into the media at all.  They’re great players and their forward pack’s a great pack,” Vaughan said.

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