Moe knows Queensland pack need to fire in decider

Moe Fotuaika knows Queensland’s forward pack need to step up in Game Two to help lay a platform for strike weapons Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga to fire.

Outplayed in the first half of Game Two to effectively end the match as a contest, Fotuaika himself was solid in his limited time of the field, but like his fellow forwards, was working on improving his performance to try and help Queensland claim next week’s decider.

“For sure, it's like any footy game, if we don't lay the platform in the middle there, it's going to be harder for the exciting players like Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga to come into the game,” Fotuaika said.

“You have to lay that foundation through the middle and everything comes off the back of that.

“I'm still looking to improve my game; I missed the 2022 series just due to my performances. I wasn't up to standard and I knew that.

“I do know when I play every game, I want to be at my best because you never know when it's your last time.

“I am trying to prepare the best I can during the week and once it comes to Wednesday, it's just about playing my footy and playing up to the standards of this Queensland team.

“It gives us fire in the belly to go out in Game Three and put a better performance in the middle defensively. We have reviewed Game Two and we know what we have to fix up. We definitely need more aggression. We will be looking to do that Wednesday.

“Individually, everyone in that forward pack wants to put in a better performance in Game Three defensively. We all know how to do that individually, so it's about going out there, preparing, and when the night comes in Game Three, it's just about executing.

“If we can be better with the ball and possession, that will give us the energy levels to defend and attack.”

With excitement building across the game for the decider, Maroons supporters were out in force for Queensland’s Saturday morning training session, with Fotuaika’s junior club Greenbank Raiders one of the community organisation’s invited to watch their preparations before running at a sold out Suncorp Stadium.

“I am so happy to have them here, training and hearing them and seeing that green patch along the fence, it brings so many memories,” Fotuaika said.

“I was once one of those kids in a green jersey. It's a proud moment having them here.

“(The Queensland support is huge), I have played there a couple of times now at Suncorp,” Fotuaika said.

“It's a different feeling when you run out, especially when everyone is going for you. I am definitely excited for when we first run out as a team. It's just about soaking it up, taking it in and going from there.”