No one is safe.
That's the message for NSW players with the pain of last year's State of Origin loss still stinging.
While a football is yet to be kicked in anger this NRL season, Blues back-rower Jake Trbojevic says there is a feeling everyone is under pressure given Queensland have held the Origin trophy since 2014 and with NSW coach Brad Fittler taking control for the first time.
"You definitely don't feel safe, especially when you don't win," Trbojevic said.
"You can't feel safe, there's so many quality young players out there always ready to step in.
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"Everyone's got to try and get back in the team because everyone still plays with the Blues."
Speaking to Trbojevic and Blues skipper Boyd Cordner at a function for the Hogs for Homeless charity motorcycle ride in Sydney on Thursday night, it was clear Queensland's come-from-behind win in improbable circumstances still stung.
NSW lost the series by a knife's edge and had Jarryd Hayne thrown that pass to an unmarked Brett Morris in the first-half of game two, the Blues most likely would have won the series and Laurie Daley kept his job.
The Blues blooded six players in 2016 and another two, including Trbojevic, last year.
And Cordner said he couldn't rule out seeing more new faces in 2018.
While many would urge Fittler to stick-and-pick, the likes of Angus Crichton, Dale Finucane and Jack de Belin are gunning for spots in the forward pack while Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary shape as potential halves picks.
"They've been really close in the last couple of years and playing really good footy," Cordner said.
"They've just got to keep doing they're doing. They've been enormous for their club for years now.
"I'm sure if they're persistent then they're going to get a shot."
