Queensland winger Dane Gagai will use the tips he's learnt alongside forgotten NSW half Adam Reynolds if he's given the Maroons' goal-kicking duties in the State of Origin decider.
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Gagai is one of a handful of contenders set to fill the goal-kicking void left by Kalyn Ponga's injury-enforced absence for Queensland in next week's game three clash at ANZ Stadium.
The South Sydney flyer has been practising his kicks regularly throughout this year's series and says practising day-in, day-out alongside ex-Blue Reynolds at their NRL club has been a huge learning experience.
"Obviously Renno is the first-string kicker - so I'll just go with him, practice with him and obviously doing a few kicks with him, you get a few tips from him," Gagai said.
"He's obviously one of the best kickers in the comp.
"He gave me a few little tips here and there."
With margins quite often narrow in Origin clashes, goal-kicking is a vital duty and Queensland coach Kevin Walters will have to decide who is the man to replace Ponga.
Gagai has kicked 10 goals in 17 attempts during his NRL career but is seven-from-11 in 2019.
His main rivals for the role are halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, fullback Cameron Munster and hooker Ben Hunt.
Cherry-Evans is the most experienced goal-kicker in Queensland's squad, with 123 goals from 171 attempts in the NRL.
Munster has 16 from 28 with Melbourne but has only had five shots on goal in the past 1-1/2 seasons while Hunt (25/37) hasn't been a regular kicker since Brisbane's 2014 NRL campaign.
Gagai says he's ready to step up if given the nod by Walters.
"Definitely, otherwise I wouldn't even bother (in training)," he said.
"I'm striking them well. We've got a few blokes in the team that can kick but that's why I was doing a few."
Queensland will continue their preparations on Friday with an opposed session against Queensland Cup team Easts Tigers.
It's unclear whether centre Michael Morgan, who has been on light duties as he recovers from a concussion suffered during North Queensland's loss to St George Illawarra, will take part in the session.
Utility Moses Mbye filled in for Morgan at left centre for parts of Thursday's session and may fulfill the same role against the Tigers if Morgan remains unavailable.
Australian Associated Press
