QLD forwards
can lay platform

Skipper Darren Lockyer says his forwards can help lay the platform for a Queensland State of Origin win in Sydney on Wednesday.

Lockyer says he likes the balance of Queensland's pack which includes three rookies and another two coming off the bench. He says if they can do their job, then he and halfback Jonathan Thurston can get some ball to the outside backs who have been in great try-scoring form in the NRL.

Queensland will leave its Coolum base early tomorrow and venture into enemy territory looking to break their Telstra Stadium jinx which has produced one draw and nine losses from 10 games since 1999.