NSW captain Boyd Cordner believes history beckons for his embattled team on Sunday, and it's not just because it'll be the first State of Origin game in Perth.
The Blues face the daunting task of ending a streak of seven-straight series defeats when losing game one to Queensland.
Furthermore, the Maroons have gone on to lift the shield on 16 of 18 occasions when claiming the series opener against NSW.
"Hopefully, we can write our own bit of history in winning this game over here in Perth, the first Origin to be brought over here," Cordner said on Friday.
"We've prepared the best way we can to give ourselves every possible chance."
Cordner admitted the criticism had been fierce for the Blues since coach Brad Fittler made seven changes to the team for game two.
However, with just Saturday's captain's run left to complete their build-up, Cordner said he'd seen enough in their preparation to be confident of victory.
"Obviously, Origin's so big, so everyone has an opinion. (But) winning solves everything, too," he said.
"Looking at the team and the way we've trained, I've got all the confidence in the world that Freddie's made the right choice."
Among Fittler's changes are a near new-look bench, with Wade Graham, Tariq Sims and debutant Dale Finucane called in for Origin II.
Speaking at an official Origin launch on Friday, Fittler suggested making changes to his starting line-up before kickoff.
"Seeing (Dale) come from a really good system down in Melbourne, he's got a great character," Fittler said.
"And who are the other boys on the bench? I'm just trying to work out who's starting. I'm not sure what the numbers are at the moment.
"Wade will be on the bench. Tariq ... we'll see, we'll see."
The Blues wrap up their preparation late on Saturday afternoon with a run on Optus Stadium for the first time, with heavy rain predicted for the weekend.
Australian Associated Press
