And as they prepare for Wednesday's series opener, NSW players say they are playing a "guessing game" as to how the first State of Origin of the year will be refereed.
Many pundits have pointed to new ruck interpretations in the NRL this season as cause for high-scoring matches and one-sided blowouts.
Players say they are mystified by the overzealous officiating at the ruck which causes fatigue and leads to flurries of points.
There is a fear among some pundits that Origin - a series built on a tradition of intensity and tight-run games - could also descend into a points spree.
"We'll just have to wait and see, it will probably be a bit of a guessing game," NSW forward Cameron Murray said from Gosford on Saturday.
"I think the competition has shown one thing and Origin might show another.
"I'm not sure if Origin is going to be similar to the regular NRL season or the same old Origin that we all know it can be."
Ashley Klein has been named referee for game one in Sydney and was involved in a heated debate with NSW captain Isaah Yeo after the Blues lost - and were on the wrong end of lopsided penalty count - in Perth last year.
The debate about the NRL's officiating has intensified in recent weeks with Melbourne premiership winners Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster conceding they were watching less rugby league as a result of lopsided results.
"It's obviously a little bit different, some score blowouts and that type of thing and a few little rule changes there have affected a few things," said Murray.
"I don't know and I honestly don't have too much of an opinion on (the NRL's quality).
"I think the teams and the players that can adapt the best and that can leave the excuses on the sidelines and just do their best on the field are the players and the teams that are going to be successful."
The Blues feel they have all bases covered for a fast game where they are on the wrong end of the set-restart and penalty count.
NSW coach Laurie Daley has picked two locks in Murray and Victor Radley, who are capable of punching out 80 minutes, on the bench.
Daley has just one classic prop in Jacob Saifiti on the interchange along with hooker Blayke Brailey, utility Ethan Strange and Penrith back Casey McLean.
"I'm sure as we get closer to the game we'll discuss minutes and my role, but whatever that is, I'm happy to do," said debutant Brailey.
"I don't know how it'll be refereed I'm sure the coaching staff will have a bit more of an insight."
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