No matter how the halves combinations play out for Queensland next week, Origin III is likely to be a more settled one for Johnathan Thurston.
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Thurston took a more commanding role in the absence of usual Maroons halves partner Cooper Cronk, with Daly Cherry-Evans playing a far different style to the Storm half.
Cherry-Evans touched the ball just 25 times to Cronk's Game one tally of 53 and Thurston's 44, but made 30 tackles to 18.
Thurston said Cronk's return would bring a steadying influence to the Maroons.
"Everyone's played alongside Cooper so he leads the boys around the park really well, he's a really good organiser and he brings some more stability to the side," he said.
"(He and Daly) are two different players. Chez likes to drift around the field a bit and Cooper likes to play nice and direct."
While Queensland is confident Cronk will be completely fit for the decider, if something goes awry with his preparation, Thurston can switch to half back with his club partner Michael Morgan waiting in the wings.
Morgan's versatility was the clinching factor in the Queensland selectors' decision to retain him over Cherry-Evans on the Maroons bench and his partnership with Thurston at the Cowboys has been a key driver of their 12-game winning streak that ended last week.
Morgan credited the influence of Thurston as a major factor in his form rise this season, making all three Origin sides just a year after truly cementing his first-grade position.
"It's been massive," he said.
"Not only him but the way we've been playing for the Cowboys, the whole team. I have them to thank for that, I think."
"The way Greeny's (Cowboys coach Paul green) got us playing as well and the confidence he's got in me has given me confidence."
Thurston was not surprised to see Morgan rewarded with Origin selection this year and said his chameleonic characteristics would be a boost in game three.
"It's not an easy team to get into. He's been given opportunities and been able to hold his spot," he said.
"That speaks highly of his character.
"There are less interruptions with him in the team."
Morgan said he wasn't anticipating a game three berth, despite solid performances in the opening two games off the bench
"To be honest it wasn't like I was sitting by the phone waiting for a call or anything," he said.
"I just thought to myself if it happened I'd be stoked. If not then that's football."
Cronk was one of six Maroons lodged as absentees for Tuesday's fan day at Proserpine, along with Storm teammates Will Chambers and Cameron Smith who played on Monday night.
Josh Papalii (knee strain), Darius Boyd (adductor) and Matt Scott (neck) were all precautionarily held back from the trip, with official camp training beginning on Wednesday.
