Brad Fittler and James Tedesco are fully aware of the enormity of Wednesday night's must-win State of Origin encounter - but there's no point in stressing over the uncontrollables.
NSW will go into the game as underdogs with the bookies, battered by injury and facing sharpened pitchforks should they fail to force a decider in Sydney next month.
Nathan Cleary's hamstring injury is a major blow for the underdogs, as is the absence of Latrell Mitchell, who also missed the opening game in Adelaide and left a gaping hole in their attacking firepower.
But despite his back being firmly against the wall and his coaching career hanging in the balance, Fittler was as cool as a cucumber on Tuesday morning and is ready to face the Blues' greatest challenge head-on.
MORE: NSW hooker mystery continues ahead of Game 2 | Billy Slater shrugs off favouritism tag
"There is no use being uptight," the coach said.
"It’s a tough gig, it’s a huge challenge and I think they are walking towards it. They are fit, they are fresh and that’s something that will have to be paramount to come up and do it.
"This reminds me of years gone by where we had these great challenges and I think this will be no different. Given the fact you toss in a couple of injuries, coming up here – it doesn’t get any more rewarding.
“I think they are going to need their greatest game. Without a doubt, they need their greatest game and they’re not gonna fluke it. It’s stressful, but it’s incredible and extreme.
James Tedesco ready to bounce back from Game 1
While there's no doubt Fittler is under the most pressure, plenty within the game have begun raising questions over the captain's representative future.
Tedesco has been a stalwart in the No.1 jumper for the Blues for over half a decade and has become a natural leader within the group, leading them to a series victory in 2021.
Despite his success for his state, the 30-year-old is facing long-term pressure to retain his spot at fullback, and another loss for the Blues could see the push for the aforementioned Mitchell or Dylan Edwards grow even stronger.
Fittler however isn't concerned for the Roosters superstar, backing him to bounce back and help level the series in front of a hostile crowd at the old Lang Park.
“He’s at that time of his career where it’s at the back-end, but it can also be the best part of your career," Fittler said.
"He looks after himself so well and I didn’t think he had that bad of a game [in Adelaide] honestly. There were a couple of moments… but he never stops trying.
"That moment at the end of the game was most probably embarrassing for him, and embarrassment is a pretty good motivator."
With all eyes on the champion fullback, Tedesco was business as usual ahead of Tuesday's captain's run and is primed for a trademark display.
“It all started last week with my preparation – it’s not just about getting to the game and hoping for the best," he said.
"It’s about doing everything during the week to get my body right, get my mind right and to be clear and to go out and play some good footy for 80 minutes.
"It’s gonna be a different game to what it was in Game I and we know it’s gonna be a lot of things against us, especially at their home, but for me it’s about being clear about how I can get my best footy on the night.
“It’s obviously really important, but it’s up to you [the media] to decide whether it’s the biggest win. There’s not much attention or focus on that… we’ve got a game of footy to win and that’s all we’re really focused on.
"It’s not gonna be easy and it could be one of the great wins – but if we get caught up in all that, we’re not gonna play our best footy."
