How a player manages pressure can shape their career in significant ways.
In rugby league, a unique kind of pressure is shouldered by athletes as they are often compared to legends from the past.
Few feel this burden as acutely as Nathan Cleary does ahead of the series decider this year.
As he prepares for the game at Suncorp Stadium, Cleary carries a record that reveals an unsettling narrative.
The Blues halfback stands at 0-3 in series deciders and has a 9-10 record in interstate competitions, which contrasts starkly with his impressive club achievements.
As Cleary gears up for what could be a pivotal match in his Origin journey, NSW icon Geoff Toovey shared some straightforward advice with NRL.com: "Attack the line."
In Game 2, the forward pack was overmatched, leaving Cleary and five-eighth Mitch Moses with limited options, a concern Toovey hopes will be resolved before their next outing on Wednesday.
"I'd like to see Nathan and Mitchell attack the line more and run the ball," Toovey expressed.
"Both are similar players, but they've got it in their game to run the ball."