NSW centre Matt Cooper says he would pride himself on doing the seemingly impossible - shutting down Greg Inglis - if required in the State of Origin decider against Queensland on Wednesday night.

Renowned as the best defensive centre in the world, Cooper said he wasn't aware of rumours coach Craig Bellamy would switch him to the right side of the field to stop Inglis, who carved up the Blues in the 30-0 victory in game II at Suncorp Stadium.

But if that's the play the coach makes, Cooper admits he would relish the chance to put Inglis in his place.

"That's what I pride my game on: my defence," Cooper said. "I suppose it would give me a lot of confidence if that's the case. Nothing's been said about swapping sides, but if they wanted to I'd be more than happy to do it."

Inglis and his ominous right-hand fend were instrumental in Queensland's record-equalling win. The Storm superstar threatens to run wild again, this time against Origin rookie Joel Monaghan, who has been selected in the absence of Cooper's injured Dragons teammate Mark Gasnier.

Bellamy might consider it easier to play the inexperienced Monaghan on Brent Tate instead of having the onerous mission of keeping Inglis in line.

"I don't think so," said Cooper when asked if the positional switch would ease the burden on Monaghan. "He's naturally a right centre. He plays there for his club. That's his natural side, and switching him to the other side would make him more nervous."

The Blues have done plenty of video analysis of Inglis and his Storm teammate Israel Folau since coming into camp.

Fuelling suspicions Cooper will be handed the job of marking Inglis is the fact he defended on the right for the Dragons in their victory over Penrith in round 15 but switched to his familiar left side in attack.

"It's only a rumour," Cooper said. "I haven't heard anything about that. Left side's my preferred side. But, if that was the case, I'd be more than happy to do it. But nothing's been said at this time."

Blues utility Kurt Gidley was equally as cagey about his role but reports he will start at halfback instead of 19-year-old debutant Mitchell Pearce appear wide of the mark.

The Herald understands Gidley is most likely to play in his customary role of fullback for extended periods when he comes off the bench.

"In the last few sessions, I've jumped in at fullback, half, hooker," Gidley said. "The more I shuffle around, and get a feel for each position, it's going to help me."

Gidley replaced Greg Bird at five-eighth after about 20 minutes in game II but the move didn't come off. He won't play there in game III, with Roosters five-eighth Braith Anasta coming in for the injured Bird.

"I was comfortable there," Gidley said. "I tried a few things I wouldn't have at club level. In Origin, you probably have to do the things you do week to week and that you're strong at. Not try to come up with that miracle play.

"It's hard for a coach to explain what position you have when you're a utility. It's a bit of a mystery. You hope to get on and get as much game-time as you can. You have to be ready, and at any minute of the game play any position."

NSW players have the day off today but yesterday they played an opposed session against an Illawarra side, which will compete for the Centenary Trophy - a search for the game's best team from the bush - in a curtain-raiser before Origin III.

Anasta trained the full session despite missing the side's previous one on Friday with a nagging ankle injury.