'Opportunity for a niggle': Maroons' Plan B revealed

Maroons legend Wally Lewis has backed Reed Mahoney's selection in the extended Queensland squad for next week's State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.

The Bulldogs hooker was chosen as injury cover for Harry Grant, who continues to battle a rumoured sternum concern that has kept him out of the two Storm games since Origin II.

Speaking on Wide World of Sports' QLDER, Lewis said Mahoney had done enough to earn selection on merit, but his niggle would be an added bonus in front of a raucous Brisbane crowd if he does make it into the field.

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"He'd light that fuse very early … he's a little bit more than annoying in a game," Lewis said.

"If he does that he's able to upset the game plan or an individual's game, he's certainly done the right thing at the right time in the right place."

Maroons selector Darren Lockyer said Mahoney's priority needed to be on his footy, but said he wouldn't change his natural playing style.

Mahoney is yet to represent Queensland but is considered the next best hooker behind Grant and starting No.9 Ben Hunt at the state's disposal.

"He's suited to this environment. It would be obviously a step up, but he's the type of player I think is made for this arena," Lockyer said.

"In front of the home crowd, when they're all on your side, (his niggle) would be part of the entertainment. That's his natural game and I don't think he'd change that.

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"His first priority is play footy. Get your game on, play your footy and if there's any opportunity for a niggle … then do that."

Mahoney's Maroons call up comes after back-to-back golden point victories with the Bulldogs.

"His service out of dummy-half is excellent," Lockyer said.

"He gets through a mountain of work in defence, cleans up a lot of little things in that ruck area. I think he's got the makings of a good Origin player."

Origin III is next Wednesday in Brisbane.