NSW legend Brad Fittler insists not much needs to change on the field for the Blues to return to State of Origin success, despite 11 series losses in 12 years.
Fittler is considered a front-runner to replace coach Laurie Daley if his contract is not renewed for next season, after he slumped to his fourth series loss in five years.
The Blues have now won just one series since the start of 2006, however this year's Origin loss was as painful as any given their campaign kicked off with a win in Brisbane before they gave away a 10-point half-time lead in Game II.
But Fittler, who has been coy on his coaching aspirations given his close friendship with Daley, said it was clear the Blues had shown signs of closing the gap.
"We didn't have to do much more," Fittler said at the launch of next year's series-opener in Melbourne.
"We were a missed tackle away in game two, a missed pass away, we were so close and then we just panicked under the pressure.
"It was sad the way our series went backwards.
"We started so powerfully and then by the end we were dominated on their field."
Fittler has been vocal this week in highlighting the distinct need of leaders in the Blues' team.
He questioned the attitude of Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson on Wednesday, following the revelation that they had a six-hour visit to a pub on a day off, and said the players' mentality had to improve.
Queensland have avoided such dramas in their senior Origin camps throughout their 12 years of dominance.
And Fittler said a key component of the Maroons' success compared to the Blues' was the way their star players led from the front.
"Their best players are their senior players and I don't think our best players have always been our leaders so I think that helps," Fittler said.
"When we walk into a thing and we look at our winners I don't think they're the same blokes that are leading - while Smith, Thurston, Cronk, they're leading on and off the field.
"When you've got that in order, anyone who comes through just works hard and toes the line and want to be part of it.
"We just need players who want to do it every day, it's hard work, a lot of sacrifices and discipline, it's up to them."
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