State of Origin 2016: Josh McGuire the Maroons bench weapon to counter Blues giant David Klemmer

QUEENSLAND have identified a leaner and meaner Josh McGuire as the man to rattle NSW giant David Klemmer and win an interchange battle in Origin I.

Josh McGuire is a bench weapon for the Maroons.

QUEENSLAND have identified a leaner and meaner Josh McGuire as the man to rattle NSW giant David Klemmer and win an interchange battle in Origin I.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters believes McGuire’s energy, fast feet and up-tempo style make him perfectly equipped to combat the interchange thrust provided by 200cm Blues hulk Klemmer.

The aggressive Klemmer ran riot in Origin II last year, verbally abusing Corey Parker and physically dominating the Maroons pack to set up a 26-18 victory at the MCG.

Blues big man David Klemmer ran riot in Origin II last year. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Champion pivot Johnathan Thurston has warned NSW big boppers Klemmer, James Tamou and Andrew Fifita will attempt to bash through Queensland’s “front door” on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium.

But in McGuire, Walters believes he has a bench game-changer whose smaller, front-rower’s frame could trouble Klemmer under Origin’s reduced interchange rules.

At 180cm and 103kg, McGuire is 20cm shorter and 17kg lighter than Klemmer, but the Maroons prop believes two fewer interchanges could play into his hands.

“I want to come on and make an impact. The way I play football is a different style to his (Klemmer), but Kevvie has something in store for me and I’m looking forward to delivering it,” McGuire said.

The statistical parallels between Klemmer and McGuire are compelling. In Klemmer’s breakthrough game in Origin II last year, the Blues behemoth compiled 17 tackles and 88 metres in his 34-minute cameo.

McGuire countered with 86 metres and 20 tackles in his 33 minutes off the bench, figures that show how crucial the duo are in both sides’ forward rotations.

Josh McGuire is perfectly equipped to combat Blues interchange forward David Klemmer. Picture: Peter Wallis

He stripped 5kg over summer to prepare for the new interchange landscape and hopes to reap the benefits.

“It plays into my game a bit more with the speed around the ruck and the change of direction which is something I like to do,” McGuire said.

“I’m not the biggest front-rower out there, so I try and make people work hard and use my feet. That’s something I will be doing in this game. I’m picking it will be a good battle of styles.”

Thurston admits NSW’s size advantage could see them run amok in midfield if McGuire and the forwards don’t dominate the ruck.

“Both benches are extremely strong, they have a very important role to play and that’s about changing the momentum of the game,’’ he said.

“When they get on there, our bench guys need to do that.”