They're a little twitchy north of the border at the moment, such is the horrified reaction from Maroons media and ex-players after the drubbing in Perth.
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Very un-Queensland.
Closer to type, before Origin II, the NSW media were bagging the logic of Fred Fittler's wholesale changes and positional unorthodoxy.
With egg now all over their faces, it begs the question - don't they know Freddy well enough by now?
Post game, anti-Fittler NSW journos have unashamedly wriggled free of their considered predictions to be now back on board the Freddy Express and salivating at the prospect of a torrid all-or-nothing match in Sydney.
The Maroon forwards copped most of the heat from old-time Queenslanders, who now hope to reprise the shock tactic of 2001 when an SOS was sent to the Old Dart for Alfie Langer to return and save the day. Desperate for a repeat, they now have retired captain Cameron Smith on their wish list. I expect any approach will be rebuffed but it wouldn't surprise me if they pull it off. If they do, the ratings slide recorded for game two will be reversed with interest.
With NSW in the box seat, the burning question for Kevvie Walters and Queensland selectors will be - do they adhere to their famed "stick and pick" mantra, or do they throw it all out the window? In response to the Perth performance and the cultural backlash, anything's possible under pressure.
Last week's top 8:
1) The representative round is hard work for a few but a small price to pay to represent one's state or country of heritage.
What impresses on the international scene is the standard of the new contenders - PNG, Samoa and Tonga. All are worthy participants who never fail lately to put on a quality footballing and cultural exhibition.
Only a decade ago, the game was dominated by Australia, New Zealand and England, and those outside the tent were happy to trade their passports to get a crack. That's all changed and the 2021 World Cup in the UK should be the most keenly ever contested.
2) The Samoan team enjoyed the involvement of Knights' James Gavet, Mason Lino and Hymel Hunt.
All played at the high standard befitting players representing the Hunter Valley. Big James in particular was tough and relentless as he took on the Kumul forwards. The hit-out in good company can only be a bonus for the Knights.
3) Should the women's State of Origin grow and become a three-game series like the men?
In time, based on interest, skill levels and a growing participant base, it must.
I'd also like to see it played as the curtain-raiser to the men's matches. Sure, there will be some logistics and costings headaches, but I can't see why the women shouldn't be part of the big-night action, without losing any of their independence or stature.
4) During Origin, I had to duck out of the North Queensland venue I was in to take a phone call about 36 minutes into the first half.
By the time I got back Tom Trbojevic had scored to blow out the score to 22-6. The clock recorded it at the 35-minute mark.
I was confused, but didn't show it. In the end, the explanation was simple. Due to cost-cutting, the person in charge didn't stop the TV clock when time was called off by the ref. Thankfully, back on task in the second half, all went as it should, avoiding a diplomatic incident to rival the underarm bowling saga between Australia and New Zealand.
5) Big Dan Saifiti's heart would have been racing at the fifth minute mark of his Origin debut when he caught a forward pass from James Maloney after a drop out.
On only his second run, he copped a clip around the ears from serial pest Will Chambers for his trouble.
Undeterred, Dan got back on track, earning high praise from coach Fittler.
"He was very good. Big body, big attitude," he said.
Whatever happens with selections on Sunday, he'll be better for the run, and the Knights, like Gavet, will benefit from the hard-earned confidence and experience up front.
6) After a virtuoso cameo by Wade Graham, it's expected in some quarters that he will cover for injured halfback Nathan Cleary in Origin III. So where does that leave Mitchell Pearce?
James Maloney, subject to injury, has all but locked down one pivot role after his tidy showing.
I'm guessing for Pearce to make the cut, Graham will be tasked to retain his valuable utility function, allowing him to be used off the bench as required. A big performance against the Broncos should cement Pearce's spot.
7) Big game at McDonald Jones Stadium this weekend.
The Broncos and Newcastle entered the league in 1988 - one with bags of money, corporate nous and a state capital behind them; the other short on cash, with divided local opinion, but with the backing of an honest, hard-working populace who loved their footy. It was something of a mismatch as the Broncos took six titles to our two in the intervening years. All of which means nothing on Saturday night.
With both sides carrying the fatigue of Origin players, it should be tight. After a successful mid-season surge, it's a crucial game as the Knights seek to position themselves in the run to the semis. Knights by 2.
8) That run looks increasingly more positive as the Knights count on players returning from injury.
Dave Klemmer and Aidan Guerra are likely starters this week, and Danny Levi is not far behind. All are experienced rep players.
As the competition moves into the last 10 matches before the semis, the luxury of playing with close to the same group each week is a huge advantage. Doing so with possibly five current Origin reps on deck will immeasurably improve our chances of a strong finish.
