New South Wales will attempt to claim back-to-back State of Origin series victories when they host Queensland in a decider next Wednesday night.
The Blues eased to a comfortable win in enemy territory during the opener before being stunned by a wounded Maroons outfit in Perth.
NSW will once again enter into the contest as the raging favourites as Laurie Daley attempts to claim a second series win for his state as coach. And the home side may have a considerable advantage to fall back upon in Game III.
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One key advantage NSW will have over QLD for the Origin decider
The two teams have experienced very different lead-ins to matches so far, with relative tranquillity emanating out of the Blues’ camps.
The major issues have all been injury-related with Mitch Moses going down with a calf issue ahead of Game II and Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas under injury clouds at various times.
"It certainly helps I think," Isaah Yeo responded when asked for his opinion on Daley’s decision to make only injury-enforced changes throughout the series.
"It gives everyone confidence that Loz has got the trust in the playing group who he selected to begin with.
"Obviously, there have been some changes that you couldn’t help, in terms of injuries from Game I to Game II. But it’s pretty much been the same team throughout, so that shows how much faith Loz has in us."
On the opposite side of the border, the axe has regularly been sharpened and put to good use.
Billy Slater has made several changes to his sides from one game to the next as he has attempted to land upon the perfect formula for success.
There has been no such scrambling from the Blues.
Moses was an enforced change when he went down injured in camp ahead of Game II, with Jarome Luai parachuted into the halves as his replacement.
Meanwhile, Mitch Barnett suffered a devastating knee injury when backing up for the New Zealand Warriors after the Origin opener.
In his absence, Max King was promoted off the bench to start in Game II, while Stefano Utoikamanu was brought from the reserves onto the pine.
Despite calls for changes, especially in the front row after the loss in Perth, Daley has stuck solid.
His loyalty and steadfast belief in his team to get the job done is evident in his unwavering backing of the group he initially brought together.
The same certainly can’t be said for Slater who has chopped and changed throughout the series.
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Daly Cherry-Evans was the headline name to be cut after the Game I defeat in Brisbane, with the captain replaced by Tom Dearden.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Valentine Holmes also swapped positions for the do-or-die clash at Optus Stadium.
Amongst the raft of changes, Kurt Capewell was added to the backrow with Jeremiah Nanai dropping to the bench, while Patrick Carrigan joined him on the pine as Trent Loiero was preferred to start at lock.
Finally, Beau Fermor was also dropped in favour of Kurt Mann being brought into the 17.
Those calls were ultimately vindicated as QLD battled to an upset 26-24 win while being led brilliantly by new skipper Cameron Munster.
For the decider, Kalyn Ponga’s foot injury has forced an unfortunate change as Tabuai-Fidow has been selected as his replacement at fullback.
This decision has also meant a debut jersey has been awarded to journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki in the centres.
The QLD coach has also made another alteration to his pack via the recalling of Josh Papalii.
The veteran prop had been in representative retirement for the past few years but was hauled out of it after an SOS call from Slater. As a result, Mo Fotuaika has been axed entirely from the squad.
"First and foremost [picking virtually the same team all series], that gives everyone confidence," Yeo stated.
"It keeps us connected and helps us to improve our relationships and improve our connection in games and performances.
"Now it’s up to us as players to make sure we give back to Loz, in that regard. And show why he has put that faith in us. It’s a wonderful opportunity."