Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans believes an against-the-odds State of Origin game three victory will create "job security" for embattled coach Paul Green.
Cherry-Evans admits the knives are out for not only rookie Maroons mentor Green but also their underfire squad with NSW on the verge of securing an unprecedented series whitewash on Queensland soil.
The Blues have blown away the Maroons in the first two games, racking up a staggering 76-6 points aggregate to be on the verge of their first 3-0 win in 21 years.
If that wasn't bad enough, questions have been raised over Queensland's team culture and leadership under Green in a disastrous campaign capped by Jai Arrow's exit days before game three for a biosecurity bubble breach.
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While Cherry-Evans backed Green, he admitted the best way to show their support - and keep their jobs - was to inject some pride back into the Queensland jersey.
"I have got along with Greeny really well. He has put a lot of hard work into this series," he said.
"Unfortunately it hasn't been reflected in the way we have played.
"Moving forward we can get a win and hopefully give everyone a bit of job security, not just Greeny but players included."
A veteran of seven Maroons camps since his 2013 debut, Cherry-Evans said the team culture had not changed under Green.
"Those things are going to be questioned when someone gets in trouble for breaching the bubble," he said.
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"Beyond that, I don't really know why the question has started [about Green's leadership].
"I get Jai's situation, that puts fuel on the fire but I can't quite see why it all started.
"These questions only come when you are losing. The best thing we can do is train well - which we have done - and put in a great performance tomorrow night."
Rumours of a rift between the QRL and Maroons great Billy Slater this week have again threatened to disrupt a Queensland campaign that has already had to deal with unprecedented distractions including Ronaldo Mulitalo's game two eligibility drama.
Indeed, Queensland appeared to be turning on their own after Maroons great Paul Vautin claimed Slater was offered the Queensland coaching job ahead of Green but angrily knocked it back when later told he would have to sit down for an interview - claims the QRL have refuted.
Cherry-Evans seemed resigned to more outside noise swirling around his besieged side.
Asked about the Slater speculation, Cherry-Evans said: "To be honest I find it a part of the game.
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"Whether we like it or not or I agree it is right or wrong, these things are just continually brought up in rugby league to generate stories.
"As a player, I am well aware why it happens. Because we have lost two in a row naturally we are going to get a lot of criticism and speculation thrown our way.
"Rightly or wrongly we can't change what people write. What we can change is the results and that is what we are focused on."
Green had been pilloried for his initial handling of Arrow's exit, offering a 20-second statement to media before walking off.
However, Green has since fronted up to reporters to explain his actions and unexpectedly put his hand up again on match eve.
Not that he was giving too much away.
Asked about the Slater speculation, Green said: "It doesn't worry me, that happens all the time.
How did he feel he got on with the group in his first year? "Good."
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Had there been any disconnect with the group? "No. "Look, it won't matter what I say now. Tomorrow night will be the test. It's about what we do, it's about actions.
"We need to get a win on the board there is no doubt about that. [But] I am happy with where we are at. We are in a good place. We will be ready. We are keen to play well and win."
Cherry-Evans agreed, saying it was time to silence the critics and give long-suffering Maroons fans something to cheer about.
"A win would be massive for us. We want to go out there and show how much it means to the Queensland players and to the fans watching us," he said.
"As much as people want to talk about turmoil within, one thing I can always speak about is the loyalty of the Queensland fans.
"We have had a rough series but not for one second have I felt the Queensland fans at any stage haven't been behind us.
"We need to reward that loyalty with a good game tomorrow night."
