NSW Blues coach Trent Johnston expects the inquest into the death of Phillip Hughes will be in the players' thoughts as his side prepares for its Matador Cup clash with South Australia.
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Two of Hughes' old teams square off at Drummoyne Oval on Wednesday, less than two years after they shared the field in the Sheffield Shield game that claimed the batsman's life.
Whether quick bowler Doug Bollinger plays remains to be seen after he took the stand at the inquest on Monday, denying an allegation he'd directed a sledge towards Hughes and batting partner Tom Cooper to the effect of "I'm going to kill you" during that game.
Cooper's participation in the match is also under a cloud after the South Australian batsman took the stand at the inquest on Tuesday.
Johnston said Bollinger trained well on Tuesday and was in the frame for selection, although a decision on the final team won't be made until the morning of the match.
The Blues are desperate to snare maximum points against the winless Redbacks after losing to Tasmania on Sunday, but the coach said the forthcoming clash would be tough for the players.
"Everyone's been through a lot over the last couple of days," Johnston said.
"They are professionals but this is something beyond that.
"It is a tough time for everyone involved around cricket, whether they're playing, administrators, the whole kit and caboodle.
"We've got a lot of good people around us and helping us out, helping the players out. It is tough times but we'll just get on and play the game that we love to be involved in," he said.
Hughes was struck by a bouncer on November 25, 2014, while batting for South Australia against NSW, and died two days later.
Current Blues Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Nathan Lyon and Bollinger played in that fateful game. At least three of those four should line-up against the Redbacks this time around.
NSW demolished South Australia by nine wickets in last season's Matador Cup final, chasing down 221 in less than 30 overs.
And despite the Redbacks coming into this game winless through three matches, Johnston said his side wouldn't be taking anything for granted.
"They're still a pretty good team, we're certainly not taking them lightly at all."
"Drummoyne probably suits them a little bit, short square boundaries which they're used to at Adelaide Oval.
"We have to be on our game in all three disciplines to make sure we get the points.
"We spoke about it today that we've performed well against them over the last couple of years. I suppose that does give you confidence going into a fixture like this.
"They've obviously lost a few guys out with representative duties which is what you want, you want your players playing at the highest level," Johnston said.
Sunday's loss to Tasmania has left NSW in a slightly awkward position in the Matador Cup, following an opening-round win over the Cricket Australia XI, with games against in-form Queensland and Victoria next on the agenda.
Queensland has won four from four while Victoria landed a double bonus-point win over the CA XI on Tuesday.
"We've got a tough road into the finals now," Johnston said.
"We've got to win all four games and win them well."
The Blues' final Matador Cup fixture before the finals is against Western Australia at North Sydney Oval on October 19.
