Brad Fittler's men will need to exponentially improve on last Wednesday's performance to take the series into a decider.

With NSW's five-eighth Luke Keary sensationally dumped from the starting line-up, the pressure on new No.6 Cody Walker will be immense.

There's a camp which believes Keary was made the scapegoat for the Blues inability to go forward in Game I at Adelaide when perhaps the focus should have been on the engine room. Questions mark certainly appeared over the heads of Boyd Cordner (a non-starter tonight) and alleged blockbuster Tyson Frizell.

On the other side of the ledger, Queensland is on a hiding to nothing. As a unit they turned in a stereotypical Maroon performance in South Australia and performed above expectations.

Another week in camp to fine-tune pairings, the threat of Val Holmes from the back field, and a coach who knows not just how to do it week-in, week-out means they will be as dangerous as ever.

And they have a hand on the shield. With a potential decider to be played at Suncorp next week, where the Maroons enjoy a lop-sided 36-19 win-loss record, makes it an uphill battle for the Blues.

* This edition of Tackle Count was written by Janine Graham.

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