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Queensland assistant Justin Hodges has broken a team edict and talked up NSW threat Latrell Mitchell but believes Will Chambers will rise to the challenge.

Maybe Justin Hodges didn't get the memo but the Queensland assistant has defied a team edict by warning the Maroons that NSW centre Latrell Mitchell will bounce back to his best in State of Origin.

Maroons players and staff have done their best to toe the curious line of not mentioning NSW by name in the lead up to Origin I.

Yet Hodges had no problem discussing Mitchell's talents on Wednesday, perhaps even to the point where coach Kevin Walters wouldn't have liked what he heard.

While admitting Mitchell appeared distracted by speculation about his NRL future, Hodges said he expected the Sydney Roosters X-factor to repeat his trail blazing 2018 Origin form that inspired NSW's 2-1 series win and left frustrated Maroon Will Chambers in his wake.

"He has had a bit of a hard time with his contract stuff and that takes away from your game when you are thinking about what is happening outside of football," Hodges said.

"(But) there is no doubt in my mind he will be at his best.

"Sometimes when you get into Origin camp it gives you a bit of belief away from clubland.

"The stuff he did last year was incredible. Hopefully he doesn't have that form but you just want to see the kid happy - hopefully he has a good night but not a great night."

Hodges however backed Chambers to bounce back from his 2018 disappointment and blunt the Mitchell juggernaut.

"It's not so much about redemption (for Chambers). I thought last year Latrell was at his height - everything he did turned to gold," he said.

"Will was a little bit off and he would openly admit that but this year I have seen a change in Will with the way he has played.

"He doesn't have all that push and shove in his game and he is just focused on what he needs to do.

"You've got to rise to that challenge and I am sure that Will will do his job the best he can."