NSW winger Jarryd Hayne is excited and nervous at the "massive challenge" of containing Queensland powerhouse Israel Folau and claims the pressure will be on the Maroons' all-star backline in Wednesday's Origin series opener.
The match-up brings together two of the most physically imposing wingers in the game, with 19-year-old Folau measuring up at 195cm and 103kg and 20-year-old Hayne no lightweight at 188cm and 96kg.
"I'm excited and I'm nervous, I can't wait, it's going to be a massive challenge," said Hayne, who played all three Origin contests last year.
The Eels back acknowledged that someone of the Melbourne juggernaut's physical dimensions inevitably had an intimidatory aura.
"Just his presence, his size. Someone that big and that strong is always going to be intimidating," Hayne said.
"His size, his strength, he's got a good leap and it's going to be hard for me to defend, but hopefully I can do it well."
With Folau renowned for his aerial ability, Hayne said he had been doing more work catching the high ball in recent days than he would normally do at Parramatta.
He acknowledged sometimes it was hard being isolated in that situation against Folau because teammates had to watch for the pass and couldn't offer support.
While he admitted he feared for his Origin spot over recent weeks, Hayne felt his form had started to turn around of late.
"The last couple of weeks have been good personally and it boasts your confidence, so hopefully I can go out there and have a good game," Hayne said.
While much has been written about a star-studded backline, rated arguably Queensland's best ever, Hayne felt that kind of reputation could also be a negative for the Maroons.
"They've got a great backline and they are all in good form and good shape, so the pressure is going to be one them to show that," Hayne said.
"We're just out there to ruin their night and show that we've got some good backs as well."
Origin debutant Anthony Laffranchi was hoping to inject some impact in an unfamiliar role off the bench.
The Titans forward hasn't come off the bench since early in his career.
"I think coming into an Origin game, no matter what time you come into it, I think the pace would be just the same as the start of the game," Laffranchi said.
He attributed his great form this year to enjoying his football and some off-season work.
"I tried to improve the skill aspect part of my game and obviously worked on my fitness due to the interchange rule and I think I've reaped the benefits," Laffranchi said.
"When you are fitter, you are more mentally out there and in the game a lot more."
