The Queenslanders had barely unpacked their suitcases in Brisbane before locking in on a key motivator ahead of next Wednesday's Origin opener, with captain Cameron Smith saying they were determined to reverse their poor fortunes at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.
Even in an era of unrivalled dominance and on the back of cracking the 50-point mark in last year's decider, Smith and new coach Kevin Walters have ensured the side has an immediate goal as they prepare to go into camp on the Gold Coast.
Traders have both sides level pegging in the early markets and much of that will be down to the strong NSW record at home, where they host the first and third game of this series.
And despite Queensland's paper advantage in most of the key positions, their record at Homebush serves them poorly. It had already been discussed internally by the time Smith and Walters fronted the media after Tuesday night's team reveal.
"They're a good side and particularly hard to beat in Sydney.... we haven't had such a great record there. That's for everyone to see. We're out to change that this year."
Away trips to the Harbour City have seen the Maroons return north with just two wins from six outings over the past five years, despite winning four of those series.
Smith said it didn't detract from their overall success but it clearly grates at the great Queensland hooker, who stands to become Origin's most-capped player when he reaches game 37 next week, surpassing Darren Lockyer's previous mark.
"I don't think the record (in Sydney) eats away at us a whole heap, given the overall record over the last 10 years. I'll take a series win over a win in Sydney any day of the week," Smith said.
"But it's an area we haven't been so good at, winning in Sydney. We've had good success in Melbourne. It's a tough place to play, it's a very hostile crowd and conditions are quite different to here in Brisbane, where most of our guys play all their footy (up north)."
Smith conceded it had already been mentioned in the early team discussions. Finding a focal point of motivation - real or perceived - was a great trick of former coach Mal Meninga and Walters has wasted little time in dangling the carrot.
"We've spoken about it briefly today but that was more to get our heads around our preparation. We all know game one is pretty important to base your series around," Smith said.
Queensland's team was announced at a gala function in Brisbane and as was widely reported, featured just a pair of new faces in Justin O'Neill and Corey Oates.
Walters said he felt both newcomers were well equipped to deal with the hype surrounding game one and also backed prop Nate Myles, who was selected despite some mixed form for the Sea Eagles.
The hard luck story was winger Kyle Feldt, who was in the team before his tough night against the Broncos last Friday. To make it worse for the young winger, Fairfax Media was told the QRL had already printed a jersey with his name emblazoned on the back.
