NSW star Tom Trbojevic is adamant he can replicate his success as a Kangaroos centre to State of Origin in Sunday’s must-win clash against Queensland.

Trbojevic will make his first start in the three-quarter line for the Blues after he was selected to replace for game-one pick Josh Morris.

The Manly fullback was seemingly a lock for the Blues in the lead-up to the series but missed eight games early in the NRL season with a hamstring injury.

Just two games into his return, Blues coach Brad Fittler had no hesitation in rushing Trbojevic back into the team for game two at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Trbojevic was confident he would justify Fittler’s faith.

“I’ve got really good staff at Manly that got me back fully fit and confident, but it’s nothing like playing out-and-out footy,” he told AAP.

Trbojevic’s selection in the centres came as somewhat of a shock after a strong effort by Morris, who came out of representative retirement and scored a try in Origin I.

And while some may view the decision as a gamble, Trbojevic will draw on his experience playing in the centres for the Kangaroos last year.

He has scored three tries in as many Tests starting in the position.

“You do, you get a lot of confidence from playing in that position in that arena. You get familiar playing in those positions the more games you play,” he said.

“You’ve done the job before, so I’m looking forward to doing it again.”

The 22-year-old has the ominous job of defending against Queensland’s lethal left edge of Cameron Munster, Michael Morgan and Corey Oates.

Maroons star Kalyn Ponga also often favours heading down that channel.

And while Queensland did most of their damage down the right in game one, Trbojevic is wary of their potency down his side of the field.

“They look quite tough. They’re obviously quality players,” he said.