Nicho Hynes experienced a brutal initiation into being New South Wales' halfback in the State of Origin series opener as he was unable to stop Queensland's 38-10 annihilation.
The Cronulla star had been handed the No.7 jersey after main contenders Nathan Cleary and Mitch Moses had been sidelined with long-term injuries.
New Blues mentor Michael Maguire declared his confidence in Hynes getting the job done in Sydney.
Yet the 27-year-old came up with a number of disappointing plays in attack, while he was also exposed in defence after briefly being forced into the centres amidst the chaos of Joseph Suaalii's send-off.
Was Nicho Hynes selected for New South Wales in Game 2?
Hynes has not been picked to play for NSW in Game 2 of this year's State of Origin.
Instead, Blues coach Maguire has opted for Moses, who has returned to action following an injury.
Hynes produced a costly error with one of his first touches of the footy in Game I when he kicked the ball dead to gift the visitors a seven-tackle set.
The Maroons promptly rolled down the field before Daly Cherry-Evans and Ben Hunt combined for a crafty try after tying the Blues' ruck up in knots.
But matters then took another ugly turn when Suaalii was marched for a high shot on Reece Walsh which ruled the fullback out of the remainder of the match.
After making a small cameo in the centres last year under former mentor Brad Fittler, Hynes was suddenly thrust into a similar situation again with QLD aiming their attack squarely at him.
A nightmare five-minute spell, which saw Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow grab a quickfire double, had the playmaker in all sorts of trouble until NSW finally shifted Stephen Crichton over to the left to help stem the bleeding.
Hynes recovered somewhat in the second stanza to put up an inch-perfect kick for Zac Lomax to reel in.
Although that was the Cronulla star’s only meaningful impact for the rest of the evening as NSW were guilty of playing far too sideways within a malfunctioning attack.
A crucial battle at the MCG now awaits where the Blues will be desperate to avoid slipping to a third consecutive series loss against Billy Slater's side.
Hynes’ place in the side immediately came under scrutiny though after his failure to spark his side's attack.
"Nicho was extremely competitive and he worked so hard out there," DCE told The Sydney Morning Herald of his opposite number.
"He took his opportunities with the ball, and he obviously got put in some really unfamiliar positions as well as a defender and that's not easy.
"I hope to see him back there doing his best because he's earned that spot. I do have a soft spot for him. I hope he goes well and doesn't get scapegoated or anything."
With Cleary set to be sidelined for the whole series due to a hamstring injury, Moses will now take the No. 7 jersey.
The Parramatta halfback only returned from an extended layoff in Round 13 against the Sharks, where he reminded everyone of his ability with a starring role in his side’s victory.
Moses also has the added benefit of a great display for the Blues in last year’s series when he led the state to a win in the third and final game to avoid a whitewash.
