It could be one of Origin's dirtiest tricks or simply Kevin Walters living up to his nice-guy persona but the Maroons coach has used his Origin eve press conference to proclaim rookie fullback Matt Moylan as the danger man for New South Wales.
At every opportunity during his 11-minute interview Walters spoke glowingly of the Blues' No.1 and the threat he poses to the Maroons' bid to wrap up the 2016 Holden State of Origin Series at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Despite showing a vulnerability under the high ball at club level and coming up with what could have been a calamitous fumble in the in-goal in Game One, Moylan is the man the Maroons have singled out as key to the NSW attack in what both coaches are predicting will be a more open style of game than was witnessed in Game One.
While Queensland custodian Darius Boyd was only narrowly behind Matt Gillett for best player on the field in Game One in Sydney Moylan ran for 159 metres from 18 carries and Walters said his influence had been a major topic of discussion in Queensland team meetings.
"We've done a lot of work on Matt Moylan," Walters said ahead of his first game as Queensland coach at the spiritual home of Queensland rugby league.
"His skills were under-utilised in Game One and didn't get the full tilt of his ability at the back. In Game Two he is one player that we're going to be trying to put as much pressure on as we can to try and limit what he does on the field because I think he's a real exciting young player and really does suit the type of football that will be played [on Wednesday] night."
Even when asked whether a Blues team that will feature Dylan Walker on the field from kick off and has the energy of Tyson Frizell and Jack Bird waiting on the bench presents a greater attacking threat, Walters again turned the conversation to Moylan.
"They're a little bit quicker around the side and Moylan has been a quality player for Penrith for a couple of years now and that drier surface and open running suits his style of football," Walters said.
"He's a great young kid as well and I'm sure they're all so excited.
"As a kid no matter whether you come from Queensland or NSW you want to play at this level and you want to play your best at this level and I'm sure that's the way Matthew's treating it as well.
"When he gets out the back of those block plays and the like he makes good decisions so we've got to limit his time and put him under pressure that way.
"Knowing the quality player that he is I'm sure he's going to create a lot of space and a lot of havoc for our defence."
While Walters was effusive in his praise for Moylan he made it clear that Walker's Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium would be a thorough examination of his inner fortitude.
Twenty-four hours after Cameron Smith promised to unleash Greg Inglis on Walker the Maroons coach didn't shy away from their plans to expose the 21-year-old in the intimidating Suncorp Stadium arena.
"Being Dylan's first Origin match here at Suncorp we're going to make it as uncomfortable for him as we can," said Walters.
"I know he was heavily criticised after Game One but we understand and are certainly aware of his talents. We've even got one of his coaching staff on our staff (Sea Eagles and Maroons assistant Anthony Seibold) so we're well aware of how explosive he can be and the dangers that he does provide for NSW."
With a dry surface and temperature expected to be around 17 degrees for the 8pm kick-off the accepted thinking is that the Blues are best suited to take advantage of a faster, more open 80 minutes but Walters is happy to match his team's speed and skill against those of the Blues.
"These are our elite athletes and our elite footballers both from Queensland and NSW and I think everyone is in agreeance that saw Game One that as tough and brutal as it was the real skills weren't showcased on the night," he said.
"I don't think [a more open game] will suit any team to any advantage. They're both teams with lots of skill amongst their group in the key positions and it really comes down to the middle guys and the space they can provide these players to showcase their skills."
