NSW might lead the series 1-0, but the memories of Queensland's decade of dominance tell Blues players that next week's second State of Origin showdown is a must-win.
The Blues outplayed the Maroons counterparts in last month's series opener, however a loss in Sydney next week would send them to a decider at Suncorp Stadium, culminating in Johnathan Thurston's representative farewell on July 12.
And according to Blues veteran winger Brett Morris, it's a situation they are desperate to avoid.
"I think it is (a must-win)," Morris told AAP.
"The last thing you want to be going up to is Queensland as a decider."
NSW have not won a decider at Suncorp since 2005, and have failed in five of their past six attempts to win the series in game three in Brisbane.
"It's a very hard place to win a game of football," Morris said.
"Certainly, when it comes to those situations, those guys have played a lot of football up there in those situations and always perform well."
Most of the Blues' side have also grown up watching Queensland's 10 series wins in 11 years.
Four times since 2006, NSW have won the opening game, but it has often meant little, with Queensland streaking home in the final two matches.
Captain Boyd Cordner prompted a reminder of why it was so important to clinch the series next week.
"We know how good of a side Queensland are and have been for years now," he said.
"We've won one game out of the whole series. Out of the last 10 years, it's been not much success for us.
"We've won one game, we need to win two and we're looking to do that in game two."
NSW entered camp on Monday night, however wouldn't have their first full training run until Thursday as coach Laurie Daley managed a short turnaround for 10 of his players who featured in NRL games on Sunday or Monday.
He will also monitor the fitness of five players - Tyson Frizell (ribs), Cordner (knee), Morris (knee), Jack Bird (leg) and Wade Graham (leg) - who come into the camp with niggling injuries.
However none is considered anywhere near serious enough to put them in doubt for Wednesday week's showdown.
Daley is also hopeful the advantage of being able to pick the Blues' first unchanged side in 21 years will help when it comes to entering the match with fewer training sessions than their Queensland opponents.
"(The turnaround) makes a hell of a difference in terms of recovery, so we've had to restructure our changing plan," Daley said.
"But to have the same 17 guys back in the squad makes it easier that we're not trying to re-educate some of the new guys back into the system."
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