Talking has Israel Folau in hot water, but he's as loud as ever at Waratahs training and won't let controversy affect his return from a hamstring injury.
"It doesn't interfere with anything to do with my rugby and the guys around as teammates," he insists. "I'm still the same person and trying to bring that energy."
And Blues coach Tana Umaga doesn't think external pressure will affect Folau at game time, when the Sydney team host the Aucklanders on Saturday.
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"I know, for some, once they get out on the field, that's the easy place to be."
Folau's opposite this weekend is All Black Matt Duffie and they have plenty in common on the field.
They're both former Melbourne Storm converts and played for the first time eight years ago, when Folau was a Bronco.
"He singlehandedly beat us that day," recalls Duffie.
The last time he played at Sydney's Lottoland, it was called Brookvale Oval and it was a brutal game against Manly.
"I hope there's no 'Battle of Brookie' re-enactments, but we'll see."
The ground itself inflicts pain too, with the dodgy surface being blamed for three season-ending injuries this NRL season.
It's a concern for the Blues, who already have 16 men sidelined.
"We've got some reassurances," says Umaga. "What can you do - the field is the field.
"Any field - you'll always go up against injuries."
And the turf isn't the only problem.
"The changing rooms aren't the best, so it's an experience," chuckles Duffie.
The Blues are already hurting enough, without Lottoland and Folau adding to it tomorrow.
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