Queensland coach Mal Meninga has rejected claims that the result of Wednesday night's State of Origin decider will determine whether he stays on in the job.
On the brink of an amazing eighth straight series wins as coach, speculation has been mounting that Meninga could pass on the Maroons baton despite being just two years into a four-year deal.
The likes of Kevin Walters and Origin legend Darren Lockyer have both been mooted as possible successors.
While Meninga refused to rule out the possibility that he will not return in 2014, he admitted he remained hungry for success in the job.
He claimed a decision on his future would largely be determined by the playing group
"I get asked that question every year," Meninga said of his future
"Hopefully the players enjoy me being the head coach of their team and we'll see what happens down the track."
Asked whether the result could prompt him to step down, Meninga said:
"No. It depends on whether I'm making a worthwhile contribution and the players enjoy the program that we've implemented.
"I've only coached the team for 24 games so I'm still hungry.
"It's basically a season of footy (in the) NRL. I love this time of year - everybody wants to be involved here, an ex-player or an ex-coach - you always want to be involved at Origin time.
"I'm one of the lucky ones, I've got a fantastic job and really enjoy the occasion."
NSW fans will be hoping the Blues can rise to the occasion as they look to end Queensland's long run of success.
A sell-out crowd - which snapped up tickets to the 83,000-seat venue two weeks out from the game - is sure to give the Blues a boost, though Meninga said all the pressure was NSW rather than his side in what's been labelled Origin's biggest decider.
"It's big every year," he said.
"When you talk about NSW, they've been on the back of some defeats in recent times, so it is a big one for them.
"For us our challenge is to play to our ability.
"This is a great Queensland side that's moved a lot of mountains in recent times and they keep getting over those hurdles to find ways of being victorious.
"At some stage we're going to lose but when that happens I'm not quite sure - hopefully that isn't (Wednesday) night."
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