NSW have identified their line speed as one of the crucial areas they must improve on Sunday night if they are to claim the State of Origin series.
While the Blues claimed the series opener earlier this month off the back of their quick-running middle and pacy outside backs, coach Brad Fittler left the MCG concerned by the Maroons' ability to apply more pressure in defence.
It was most clear in the second half of the Melbourne clash, where Queensland were able to nail the Blues backs in a corner on early tackles to win the tug-of-war during a 12-set stint where there no stoppages for errors or penalties.
Ultimately, the Blues were able to win out by making less errors and poking their nose through in attack, but NSW are well aware it's something that must be rectified by Sunday.
"We've been working pretty hard on it," Blues captain Boyd Cordner said.
"It's a massive part of Origin with field position because you don't get a lot of penalties or errors or anything like that.
"One way to do that is line speed and keeping them down their end to keep the ascendancy.
"We've been working pretty hard on different ways to nullify their opportunities to put us in the best possible position."
The selection of Matt Prior as a replacement for the injured Reagan Campbell-Gillard is likely to play some role in that.
The 31-year-old is noted as having good line speed in defence, with that facet of his game being a regular talking point among past and present Cronulla teammates this week.
"I respect him very highly, having played along side him knowing what he can do for a side," NSW and former Sharks five-eighth James Maloney said.
"In 2016 we won the comp and he was our player of the year. He was inspirational and a real leader, especially defensively amongst our side.
"He'll do a really good job."
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