Queensland refuse to be wavered by the insults of Paul Gallen as the build up to Origin II reaches fever pitch.
The Blues skipper launched a stinging attack on his bitter rivals on Tuesday, labeling them "grubby" and "disrespectful."
While the comments sent the media into an understandable and instant frenzy, Queensland are adamant it has done little to ruffle their feathers.
"They were a little bit out of left field I guess but I think that is part of what Paul Gallen brings to their team," Maroons assistant coach Michael Hagan said.
"It was probably more about getting his own preparation and his own team focused on what they need to do. It has probably put us on notice about what to expect so that is all good.
"The build up to Origin has always had that little banter… In the end what's said today won't count for a lot but we know that they are going to be really aggressive and we have to try and counteract that somehow."
Gallen's comments have added extra bite to Wednesday night's clash at the MCG, where the Maroons have the chance to clinch the series after their one-point win in Game One three weeks ago.
Queensland admitted they may have even missed having Gallen out there on that night as he was forced to watch from the sidelines with a hip injury.
"Nate Myles probably missed Gal in the first game, just from the point of view of having someone to torment for 80 minutes. All in all I think that will be something to look forward to," Hagan said.
Daly Cherry-Evans will carry plenty of pressure with him into Game Two as he takes over the No.7 jersey in place of injured Game One hero Cooper Cronk.
DCE or the "$10 million man" as the opposing captain dubbed him on Tuesday is expected to be firmly in the Blues' sights on Wednesday night.
"He is a pretty courageous young player, he knows he is going to get spotted up tonight," Hagan said.
"If he runs the footy he is going to come in for some attention and that's part of why he is such a fantastic player and why Manly were so desperate to keep him at their football club because you want to build your team around someone like that."
Game Two will kick off at 8pm on Wednesday night in front of a possible 90,000-strong crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
