Sure he’ll take a pain-killing needle before Wednesday’s State of Origin, where NSW can wrap up just their second series win in 12 years.

But after coming through St George Illawarra’s loss to the Bulldogs physically well, Frizell is convinced he will cope with the intensity of Origin – and a few heavy hits to the rib cage.

“It was a grade three carry on pretty much,” Frizell said of the rib cartilage injury suffered in the win over the Wests Tigers. “[The rib] pulled up pretty good, I got through the game all right. The body is a bit sore but it should be sweet.”

Frizell, like most of the NSW forward pack, rotated through the middle third, but played a stint on the right edge during the 28-4 triumph over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.  

The difference this time though, is superstar halfback Johnathan Thurston returns in a bid to save the series for the Maroons. 

His bag of tricks includes the famous show-and-go, throwing a dummy at the defensive line, which has caught out NSW players on numerous occasions.

"You want to be playing the best and JT is definitely that kind of player,” Frizell said.

"They've got massive experience back with those two players, we're going to have to be better again."

Thurston’s inclusion was one of seven changes for Queensland, while the Blues team is unchanged.