Queensland lock Dallas Johnson says the Maroons know exactly what to expect from an under-siege NSW State of Origin side because they were in the same situation three years ago.
The Maroons are seeking a historic fourth straight Origin series victory at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night, with all the pressure on the Blues to prevent the record falling on home territory.
It is an identical scenario from the 2006 series, only with the teams switching positions. Back then, it was Queensland hosting game two and needing a win to prevent NSW claiming its fourth successive series crown.
History shows the then young Maroons side not only rose to that challenge, but went on to win four Origin games straight to claim back-to-back series wins.
Now on the verge of a four-peat, Johnson says the Maroons will have to match NSW's desperation if they're to create history.
''They will be that much more desperate, but we know what that's like so we know what they're feeling and we have to get out there and go that extra step and be on them,'' said Johnson.
''Obviously the series can be over if you lose that second game.
''[But] we will focus now on what we've got to do, we will have to rise to the occasion and play better than we did in Melbourne.''
Queensland second-rower Sam Thaiday was one of several Maroons to debut in that 2006 series
He knows exactly what is going through the NSW players' minds this week.
''I think I was more nervous then and more in shock,'' Thaiday said of 2006.
''Now I'm a lot more relaxed and I know my job and what I have to do in the side.
''We did the same thing in 2006, we blooded a whole heap of new players and were in the same boat as NSW are now.
''There is pressure on all of these games...It's how you deal with that pressure and how you rise to the occasion.
''We rose to the occasion in 2006 and hopefully we can rise to the occasion in Sydney on Wednesday night.''
NSW winger Jarryd Hayne says the prospect of losing four successive Origin titles is weighing on their minds.
''A little bit. It hurts the players more than anything and you don't want to be a part of that,'' said Hayne.
''It's going to be, not the main focus, but it's always going to be in the back of your mind.''
Hayne said the Blues had learnt plenty of lessons from the 28-18 defeat three weeks ago. He was confident the Blues would be able to produce an 80-minute effort at the intensity of their second-half fightback in Melbourne.
NSW will ramp up its preparations when the players return to camp in Sydney today, with most interest on the fitness of utility Craig Wing and five-eighth Trent Barrett.
Wing still has a query over his hamstring strain, while Barrett has a niggling back complaint. AAP
WEDNESDAY
State of Origin II: NSW v Queensland at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 8pm. TV Time: Live on WIN.
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