New South Wales Blues players and fans have a recurring nightmare. They reach out to grasp the State of Origin Shield only to have it snatched from their fingers by monsters in maroon.
Since Queensland's era of dominance began in 2006, New South Wales has won the first game on five occasions but only once, in 2014, has it turned it into a series victory.
The current side includes six survivors from 2017 when the Blues, spearheaded by Andrew Fifita, dominated Game One in Brisbane to win 28-4. They led Game Two in Sydney with five minutes to go before losing 18-16, then capitulated in the decider in Brisbane 22-6.
No doubt Boyd Cordner, Tyson Frizell, David Klemmer, James Maloney, James Tedesco and Jake Trbojevic wear deep scars. Once bitten, twice shy.
But most of Brad Fittler's line-up are fresh, young and humble. They are not looking back, nor are they getting ahead of themselves.
