He’s the only player left from the dead rubber debacle of 2014.

And while NSW captain Boyd Cordner is adamant the Blues need no extra motivation for a series whitewash, he also needs no reminder of how a shield lifting will be after a loss.

After wrapping up their breakthrough series win four years ago after Origin II – ending the Maroons’ run of eight straight wins – the Blues were crushed 32-8 in game three in Brisbane.

Cordner admitted it was a deflating feeling celebrating the series after a heavy defeat.

“It’d be a bit dour (if we lose again). You want to be going up there lifting the shield after a win, that’s for sure,” Cordner said.

“Coming into camp now, we’ll enjoy being back together. But I tell you one thing: our main focus is to be going up there and putting in our best performance for 80 minutes to try and win.”

Whether Cordner will be fit enough to take the field is another concern.

The Blues star suffered a calf injury, as well as a late concussion at ANZ Stadium that forced him to miss the Sydney Roosters’ loss to Melbourne last week.

He underwent scans upon his return to Sydney and was cleared of any major damage, however the issue was serious enough for coach Brad Fittler to select Tariq Sims as cover.

It is the second year in a row where Cordner will race the clock to prove his fitness, having also battled a calf problem after game two last year that almost forced him out of the decider.

“I’ve had soft tissue dramas before, but this isn’t too bad. It was definitely worse last year. I’m a fair bit ahead of where I was last year so it’s always a good sign,” he said.

Fittler has already indicated giving Cordner until game day to fully recover, however the 26-year-old is confident he will take part in the team’s main training session on Thursday.

Should he be ruled out, Sims is likely to be inserted into the run-on side and Ryan James added to the bench to make his debut.