The second chapter of the State of Origin showdown between the NSW Blues and the Queensland Maroons is expected to be fiercer and more brutal than the previous game with both teams looking to make several changes in their lineup.

Queensland veteran Justin Hodges, who's expected to play for the Maroons in the State of Origin II, believes minor changes are necessary to give them a better chance of winning their next battle against the Blues on June 26 in Brisbane.

"Obviously there might be a few changes there. We were a little bit off the pace," Hodges told AAP on Thursday. "We are always slow starters in game one. But that's up to (coach) Mal (Meninga) and the selectors."

However, Hodges said the Maroons will continue to stick to their game plan of getting into the head of NSW skipper Paul Gallen.

"Gal is always a target. He is their best player and the one who gets them forward. If you take his spirit away ... you are almost going to win the game - he's a big factor for them," Hodges said.

Coming off a one-week suspension after engaging into a brawl with Maroons' standout Nate Myles in State of Origin I, Gallen is expected to provide more muscle to the Blues' already intimidating lineup, even in the absence of suspended prop James Tamou, in the next game.

So far, there are several players being tossed to replace David Shillington, who was quite in State of the Origin I. Sydney Roosters' Martin Kennedy, Gold Coast giant David Taylor, Brisbane prop Ben Hannant, and Josh Papalii are all possible call-up for Game 2.