If you thought Queensland coach Kevin Walters might tone down his brash new personality in the lead up to Origin 1, you'd be wrong.
Walters has copped plenty of flak since he adopted the persona - believed to be on the advice of 'coach whisperer' Brad Stubbs - but he's not backing down.
The Maroons coach is still talking tough, insisting he hasn't lost the plot and that he's just revved up due to being around an exciting bunch of players.
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"It's not an act," Walters told reporters on Tuesday.
"Have I got energy? I'm not this bloke that sat in the corner and all of a sudden 'wow, look at him,' I've been like this all my life.
"Being around these players gives you energy and you have to have that energy and purpose and that drive to be successful and we will be succesful.
"I haven't lost the plot."
In addition to Stubbs, Walters said he has called on the expertise of a host of Maroons legends including Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Petero Civoniceva and Justin Hodges throughout their preparation.
Champion hooker Cameron Smith has also been around the squad in camp but Walters wouldn't confirm whether the mystery 'player no. 21' would be the former skipper.
"That's to be confirmed, isnt it?" Walters responded when asked abouth Smith.
As for players who definitely will be there, Walters was adamant that hooker Ben Hunt would do the job for the team, even playing 80 minutes at number nine if required.
The coach finished yet another odd press conference again insisting that his side would get the job done come Wednesday night, a far cry from the 'underdog' Queensland sides of the past.
"I am very confident that you will see a Queensland team that plays the game of its life and we will play the game of our life and we will need to play the game of our life to get the victory," Walters said.
