Not even ANZ Stadium’s slippery surface will change the aggressive approach of a NSW forward pack hell-bent on clinching their second State of Origin series in 11 years.
The Blues big men moved the Queensland forwards around and wore them down early in the series-opening 28-4 win in Brisbane, a feat that could be made much tougher by dewy conditions next Wednesday.
Typically matches played in Sydney see far less ball movement and slower grind through the middle, compared to the fast-pace and dryer nature of Suncorp Stadium.
But the Blues forwards say they won’t be erring from their winning formula, regardless of the conditions.
“We had a really good game plan up there in Game I and we will try and use that again,” bench forward Jake Trbojevic said.
“I don’t think conditions come too much into it unless it’s pouring or that sort of thing.
“We’ll probably do similar sort of stuff.”
What will change however is their forward opponents.
The Maroons have named four new big men for the clash, including three debutants.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters confirmed on Friday that Gold Coast prop Jarrod Wallace will start, with North Queensland’s Coen Hess and Tim Glasby coming off the bench.
Trbojevic and fellow bench prop David Klemmer both predicted plenty of nerves for the rookies, but refused to pour any more fuel on the Tim Glasby fire following criticism of his selection in the Sydney media this week.
“He will take that to his advantage,” Klemmer said.
“I would be a bit frustrated. It would fire me up, so I know he’ll be looking for a big game next Wednesday.”
The Blues have their second full session of the week at Leichhardt Oval on Friday morning, before breaking camp for the weekend and returning home.
They will then regroup at Homebush on Sunday to finalise preparations for the potential series-clinching clash.