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Westpac NSW Blues halfback Nathan Cleary is confident he will quickly find his kicking radar in the unfamiliar expanses of Optus Stadium in Wednesday's clash with Queensland.
Cleary's boot is set to take on a bigger role in what are expected to be wet and slippery conditions for Game Two of the State of Origin series.
While the Blues have run rampant on in Perth in the past, the weather forecast is set to see Wednesday's game develop into a physical, territorial battle.
Combine the rain with the loss of five-eighth Mitchell Moses to a calf injury and Cleary's kicking game is set to take centre stage on a field more suited to a Sherrin than a Steeden.
The large expanses of the oval ground present a unique challenge for kickers in general play and off the tee but the halfback is confident he will quickly adapt on Wednesday night.
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Inside Camp: Nathan Cleary
"I've never found it too difficult to adapt to the oval fields because they have the signage set up as a rectangle around the field," Cleary said. "It would be a bit different if it was just the full circle.
"Training on the field the day before the game helps you get a feel of the ground and you get your bearings. Once you get used to it, it's not too different."
Cleary had a rare off-night kicking for goal at Suncorp Stadium in the series opener, shooting just one from four, however he quickly rebounded and kicked six from seven in two games for the Panthers.
The 27-year-old is preparing for his third game at Optus Stadium, while he made his Origin debut at the MCG in 2018 and played twice at the Adelaide Oval.
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Cleary reflects on his performance
Across the five games on AFL grounds, Cleary has forced three line-dropouts while kicking 14/16 shots at goal.
Moses starred in his Origin return at the MCG last year, leading the Blues to a dominant 38-18 victory with a superb kicking display.
While last week's calf injury ruled him out of Wednesday's game, the playmaker said it's vital Cleary and new five-eighth Jarome Luai familiarise themselves with the ground prior to kick off.
"Playing at the MCG last year was a bit different," Moses told NRL.com. "It's important to go out there and have a feel for the field. Not too much changes with your approach to the game.
"It feels a bit different but going out there during captain's run and getting some reps with my kicking was really helpful."
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Cleary had a chance to reacquaint himself with Optus Stadium at Tuesday morning's captain's run.
Conditions are set to change prior to the match, with the rain forecast to arrive on Tuesday afternoon before it continues on Wednesday, with up to 30mm forecast.
While each side only has a limited amount of time on the field prior to the match, former NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson, who played at the MCG in 2015, said even a short session is helpful to adapt to the new dimensions.
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Match Highlights: Blues v Maroons
"It was a little bit tricky [playing on the MCG]," the NSW Under 19 assistant coach said. "The grandstands are a lot closer in NRL games so it does play a part but I've got no doubt the boys will get out there and do plenty of reps.
"Kickers like Nathan and Jarome, then on the other side Munster and Dearden, they'll be getting out there and doing some reps. Watching the [NSW Under 19s] train against the senior squad on Saturday, Nathan had it on a string so he'll be sweet and no doubt he'll play a big part in the game."
