League: Blues expecting fired up Maroons pack

New South Wales forward Nathan Hindmarsh expects Queensland's forward pack to muscle up in game two of the State of Origin series in Brisbane tonioght.

The Maroons must win the Lang Park clash to stay alive in the three-match series after losing the opening game 17-16 in Sydney.

Hindmarsh said Queensland's forwards had copped a lot of criticism for their performance in game one, and would be determined to hit back at Lang Park.

"If the shoe was on the other foot I think we'd like it," he said.

"If everyone doubted us we'd come out extra fired up and I think that's what they're going to do."

Meanwhile, North Queensland Cowboys full-back Matt Bowen has joined the Queensland squad as an 18th man for tonight's big clash.

Bowen trained with the Maroons at their closed training session at Lang Park yesterday.

Maroons officials have dismissed any fitness concerns within the team, saying Bowen's call-up was only a precaution.

Centre Justin Hodges is expected to play despite a hamstring injury which was initially expected to keep him out of the match.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA