NSW insist they have learned their lessons from past failings at Suncorp Stadium, as they attempt to steal the State of Origin shield on Queensland's home ground.
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The Blues enter Wednesday night's decider in remarkably familiar fashion, with the core group of the team building for their third Brisbane decider in five years.
In both 2020 and 2022, NSW entered Origin III with the clear ascendancy, having claimed blowout wins in game two to level the series.
On both occasions the Blues were beaten in the decider, with Brad Fittler's men conceding the first try and playing from behind late in the match.
This time NSW are adamant they know how to do things differently under new coach Michael Maguire.
Chief among the lessons from years gone by is more patience, with NSW captain Jake Trbojevic putting an emphasis on controlling possession.
"(We've learned) that when you're under pressure ... it takes periods of play to get out of it," Trbojevic said.
"I felt like in 2022 we just tried to go for the miracle. We were throwing long balls, (doing) stupid stuff, whereas it takes periods of play.
"With our kicking game ... if we take five-minute periods of play to really focus on field position, that can get us out of trouble. It's not going to be one big play."
There are other similarities between the Blues' losses in 2020 and 2022 that are out of NSW's control.
James Tedesco's 2020 concussion left the Blues' backline all at sea, then Cameron Murray was knocked out in 2022.
NSW do have more versatility on their bench this year, with Connor Watson able to play any role, and the addition of Mitch Barnett giving them cover in the front and back row.
The other key is discipline.
Billy Slater stressed that about his Queensland side on Tuesday, given the Maroons were behind 6-0 in the penalty count when they trailed 34-0 at halftime in Origin II.
But the numbers at Suncorp Stadium make for grim reading for the Blues, who have won the penalty count in just nine of 60 Origin matches played in Brisbane.
"You have to be very clean, but you have to be very aggressive," Danny Buderus, NSW assistant coach in both 2020 and 2022, told AAP.
"You need to make sure there are no ill-discipline areas, or you get pulled up for certain things.
"Looking back, a lot of times we gave away possession easy, or they got it easily, or they got a couple of calls on the back of (poor) discipline.
"And all of a sudden not only do you find yourself in an atmosphere that is hostile, but you're creating a lot of drama for yourself."
Queensland also have the potential to be a different team to the one they were in 2020 and 2022.
While NSW are likely to rely on a power game through the middle, Queensland's strike force is out wide as they hunt a third straight series win.
The Maroons are likely to spend periods with Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga both on the field, while Ben Hunt can act as another ball-playing threat.
Australian Associated Press
