Sims, who has been the Blues’ 18th man for their series-sealing wins in Melbourne and Sydney, will be the 13th Origin debutant used by coach Brad Fittler this series as he replaces Sharks prop Matt Prior.

It is just one change Fittler has made after NSW secured just their second series win in 13 years with a tense 18-14 win at ANZ Stadium last Sunday.

Prior, 31, misses out only eight days after making his Origin debut at ANZ Stadium. He edged a battle with Gold Coast enforcer Ryan James for a front row spot for game two, but won't be making the trip to Brisbane.

Sims will make his debut off the bench with Paul Vaughan elevated to the starting side. James will be 18th man.

The Blues will monitor the fitness of captain Boyd Cordner and winger Josh Addo-Carr throughout the week as an injury-ravaged Queensland, minus captain Greg Inglis and Kalyn Ponga, try to restore pride at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.

"Boyd is carrying a bit of an injury at the moment so it's a position Tariq plays as well, so that will cover Boyd during the week and also for the game," Fittler said.

"He'll be always the best judge of his injury and he will, I'm sure, have the team in mind when he makes his decision."

Cordner will undergo a medical assessment later on Monday to see how much he can do during the week, but the Roosters second-rower is adamant he’ll be good to go in Brisbane.

"It’s just a minor injury so I’m not that concerned that I won’t be playing. We don’t train our main session until Thursday. It’s feeling really good now," Cordner said.

"I’ll go out for a run later today and I’m really confident I’ll be right."

Fittler hailed Sims for earning his place but acknowledged his ability to cover for the skipper contributed to his selection.

"It was all around Boyd, really," Fittler said.

"The other reason was Tariq’s been fantastic. He’s been the best left back-rower this year and his efforts as 18th man have been incredible. He deserved his spot.

"He’s played front row, played on both edges, I remember he started as right backrower and played in the middle. It definitely falls in his favour."

The Blues' Origin campaign has been remarkably stable compared to their northern rivals and follows last year when former coach Laurie Daley used the same 17 in all three games of the series, which the Blues lost 2-1.

Fittler was captain when NSW last completed an Origin whitewash in 2000.

"I did it twice as a player – ’96 and 2000 – and yeah it takes a special group," he said.

"Those two teams I remember distinctly [as[ not only being great footy teams but everyone getting on really well.

"This team has showed some of those characteristics but we can definitely be better."

NSW’s Origin campaign has been remarkable stable compared to their northern rivals and follows last year when former coach Laurie Daley used the same 17 in all three games of the series, which the Blues lost 2-1.

NSW team for State of Origin III

James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, James Roberts, Josh Ado-Carr, James Maloney, Nathan Cleary, David Klemmer, Damien Cook, Paul Vaughan, Boyd Cordner (c), Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin. Interchange: Tariq Sims, Jake Trbojevic, Angus Crichton and Tyrone Peachey.