It's the biggest story in NSW heading into State of Origin's game three but Queensland's ban on talking about the Blues hasn't been altered by Mitchell Pearce's selection.
The Blues recalling Pearce has delighted fans north of the Tweed, with the Newcastle halfback having never won an Origin series in seven previous campaigns.
Rather than take the chance to heap any more pressure on Pearce, Queensland players Corey Norman and Dane Gagai both refused to discuss his selection in Thursday's media appearances.
Throughout this year's series, in an edict imposed by coach Kevin Walters, players have been told not to publicly mention the "other team" or face a small fine.
When asked about Pearce's call-up, debutant Norman evaded the talking point.
"Oh look that's for them," the St George Illawarra playmaker said.
"We're worried about us and I don't need to comment on that."
Pressed on Pearce's good NRL form for the Knights, Norman stood firm.
"I haven't been watching much of the Knights to be honest," he batted back.
Pearce's selection after Nathan Cleary (ankle injury) was ruled out means both teams go into the match with new halves pairings.
While Pearce and Blues' No.6 James Maloney have played together before at Origin level, Norman and Maroons' captain Daly Cherry-Evans are untested.
Norman knows he and Cherry-Evans will need to blend quickly but was quick to point out he isn't coming into next Wednesday's match completely cold.
"Coming into camp for Origin two really helped," said Norman, who was the Maroons' 18th man in Perth.
"I got to run a few sessions there and got to know the calls, the plays and that.
"Coming in to this camp that has made me feel a lot more comfortable."
