It appears NSW's worst fear may be realised with Cameron Munster firming as Queensland fullback for next week's State of Origin series decider in Sydney.
The Maroons have tried to keep their cards close to their chest on injured No.1 Kalyn Ponga's replacement with coach Kevin Walters unveiling a squad in alphabetical order for July 10's game three.
But Queensland appeared to reveal their hand when incumbent five-eighth Munster ran at fullback at their camp's first training session on Tuesday.
It raised eyebrows with media and no doubt sent a shudder down NSW spines judging by the reservations of Blues greats Phil Gould and Danny Buderus.
NSW's most successful coach Gould admitted he was "fearful" of Melbourne NRL star Munster wearing the Maroons number one jersey.
"He's the kind of kid who will think he can win it from there," Gould told Nine Network's 100% Footy.
"I'm really fearful that Munster plays there.
"He will feel he can be the difference. And that's dangerous."
The jury was out when Ponga was ruled out with a calf injury for game three after Walters revealed Munster, Michael Morgan, Moses Mbye and debutant Corey Norman were all in the mix.
But Munster appears to have the inside running with Mbye training in the centres on Tuesday.
Morgan had light duties on Tuesday after suffering a concussion for NRL club North Queensland but looks set to take over at pivot from Munster with Norman coming off the bench.
It will be hardly music to Buderus' ears after the Blues assistant also voiced his concerns about Munster running rampant at number one.
"You look at Munster's ability to pop up anywhere, the upper body strength," he told Fox Sports' NRL 360.
"The dangerous running game of Munster at fullback would be hard not to take on board if you're Queensland."
Munster initially indicated he wanted to replace retired Melbourne great Billy Slater at fullback at not only his NRL club but also Queensland at the start of the season before Storm coach Craig Bellamy convinced him to remain at No.6.
But Melbourne and ex-Maroons captain Cameron Smith revealed ahead of Origin II that he was convinced Munster's best position was still fullback.
"I believe that is his best position," he said.
For the record Queensland players kept with Walters' cloak and dagger approach on Tuesday, refusing to give away too much about who would play fullback.
"We were just having a run around today. I think the boys were a bit sore from the weekend (NRL action) so people were just filling in roles," prop Joe Ofahengaue said.
AAP
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