Backline giants set for Origin III battle

It's the State of Origin backline battle rugby league fans have been waiting for.

Queensland champion Greg Inglis going head-to-head with NSW's Josh Dugan in the centres has been a long time coming.

The star pair were expected to face each other throughout this year's series but an elbow injury forced Dugan to miss the opening two Origin clashes.

Inglis made a strong impression in game two on former NRL clubmate Dylan Walker, charging at the second-gamer right from the outset at Suncorp Stadium.

Origin's record try-scorer, facing a different battle against Dugan next Wednesday at ANZ Stadium, was full of praise for his opponent as he headed into camp on Wednesday on the Gold Coast.

"Duges is a great player," Inglis said.

"Bit unfortunate with the injuries he's had this year.

"Just watching him over the past few weeks, he's thoroughly deserved his place in that Origin side."

Dugan is clearly relishing the prospect of taking on one of the game's greats.

"I am the sort of player who loves those challenges," he said.

"I have proved what I can do at this level. I am confident in my ability wherever I play."