Questions have been raised on both sides of the Tweed about the make-up of Craig Bellamy's new-look New South Wales side, with former coach Phil Gould and Maroons superstar Greg Inglis pointing to what they see as defensive deficiencies in the Blues.
Following the North Queensland Cowboys-Newcastle Knights match at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Monday night, Gould singled out Blues centres Michael Jennings and Jamie Lyon as the greatest defensive concern for Bellamy, adding that the experience gulf between the sides made covering such weaknesses almost impossible.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga said the team announcement was the simplest he had experienced since taking over from Michael Hagan in 2006.
There were no surprises in the 17, with captain Darren Lockyer's return after missing last year's series with a knee injury making him the only player named not to have taken part in the Maroons' third consecutive series win.
In stark contrast to the eight debutants named by Bellamy, Meninga will guide a team boasting 179 State of Origin appearances between them - a staggering 122 games more than their opponents.
While applauding the Blues' gamble, Inglis said the decision to turn to youth was one that should have been made years ago and could now leave them susceptible to Queensland's powerful all-Kangaroos backline.
"I think they are looking to build a new era like we did a few years ago and it paid off well for us," Inglis said.
"I think they have picked a really skilful attacking side. I don't know how they will go in defence, but I don't think he is too worried about the defensive side. I think he is looking to attack."
It is a sentiment shared by Gould, who was anxious about Lyon's "submissive" style of defence, revealing that the Manly star had to be taught how to defend "up and in" when he was first brought into the NSW team.
Gould said he was genuinely worried about the ability of Jennings and Lyon to keep the 104kg Inglis and his 98kg centre partner Justin Hodges in check.
"They are all very good players; it remains to be seen whether or not they will form a good team and a team good enough to beat Queensland," Gould said on Triple M radio.
"It looks like a team which has been picked with the future in mind and if that is the case I hope they stick with these guys through the series.
"They are inexperienced in key positions and I must admit I am a little worried about the size of the two centres Lyon and Jennings given they are up against Inglis and Hodges."
And it would seem the Blues' problems do not stop there, with grave fears held over the availability of back-row duo Glenn Stewart and Paul Gallen, while a knee injury will prevent skipper Kurt Gidley from training until the weekend.
"I had an infection in my knee on Saturday night which was a setback and then twisted it on Monday," Gidley said.
"It wasn't a good feeling. It was separate to the infection and it gave me a bit of a fright, but it pulled up pretty good this morning."
Bellamy said the news wasn't as good for either Gallen (shoulder) or Stewart, who will contest a dangerous-throw charge at the judiciary on Wednesday night.
Stewart will be defended by Geoff Bellew SC, who had success in the judiciary room representing both Michael Ennis and Gallen this month.
"We are not overly confident (with Stewart)," Bellamy said.
"I have only seen it once but I guess Manly are reasonably confident they can get him off or they wouldn't be going there I wouldn't imagine.
"I know Glenn is desperate to play so we have our fingers crossed for him.
"Gall is serious, but we will give him till Friday or Saturday to see if it is improving. He won't be in full training by then but if he is improving, depending on how the medical staff sees things, we will probably leave him there."
Bellamy said the raft of new faces, while important to the side, meant he couldn't afford to wait until game day to make a decision, with Luke Lewis to come into the side should either Stewart or Gallen be ruled out. Test duo Anthony Laffranchi and Anthony Watmough are in contention should both miss out.
"Friday and Saturday will be where we really start to pick the intensity of our training up so hopefully (Gallen) will be able to do some of that," Bellamy said.
"Hopefully, if the medical staff are confident he can do some contact stuff come Monday or Tuesday, we will stick with him because we see him as being a pretty important part of our side."
Seemingly enjoying a charmed run, Lockyer admitted he was wary of being overconfident, drawing comparisons to both the 2001 and 2006 series, which saw Queensland upset a rampant NSW against all odds.
The veteran pivot said he would address the issue early in the camp and keep a close check on any cockiness creeping in.
"We need to guard against any complacency," Lockyer said. "When you have won three series in a row and you are heading in favourites against a very hungry side, it is something we will need to be aware of.
"I remember being in the same situation in 2006. We have a talented team but we need to bring the right attitude or we will get beaten. It's as simple as that."
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