With their backs firmly planted against the wall, NSW are bracing for Queensland to produce their best performance since the start of their seven-year reign as State of Origin champions.
Down one-nil heading into Wednesday night’s blockbuster meeting, the Maroons must come up with a victory if they are to be any chance of extending their record-breaking run.
And while NSW coach Laurie Daley questioned whether the Maroons were panicking by making changes to their squad and making an appeal to the referees, he knows the Blues should expect nothing but the best from their opposition at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re going to have to be at our best because Queensland are going to be at their best,” Daley said.
“This will be their best performance in eight years so we’ve got to be ready.
“They’re champions, they don’t want to relinquish their title, and playing at home – there are plenty of reasons why they’ll play well.”
The Blues on Tuesday will get their first look at the Suncorp Stadium surface which has come in for heavy criticism following Saturday night’s British and Irish Lions rugby Test, when Wallabies goalkicker Kurtley Beale slipped as he attempted a potential match-winning penalty shot.
Queensland and Brisbane back-rower Matt Gillett added his voice to concerns claiming the surface had been an issue for much of the NRL season.
Daley said the forecast fine weather should ensure a dry surface on Wednesday night, with stadium officials adamant there won’t be the same issues which plagued the Wallabies-Lions Test.
The Blues coach said he would leave it up to individual players to choose their own footwear for the game, with Tuesday’s captain’s run to prove crucial in both sides’ preparations.