Api Koroisau was given a front row view of Brad Fittler's anguish in State of Origin I and will now swap the coaches box for the box seat of the Blues attack after being thrust into the NSW starting side.
The Penrith hooker sat alongside Fittler in the series opener in Sydney as the Blues fell to a 16-10 defeat.
He was given an insight into just how Queensland dominated NSW at the ruck with their quick middle forwards and the one-two punch hooking rotation of Ben Hunt and Harry Grant.
Fittler has responded with Damien Cook - a mainstay since the start of the Blues coach's reign - reduced to a rotation role, with Penrith's No. 9 Koroisau to start in Perth for his second Blues appearance.
"It's a pretty interesting perspective from up there (in the box)," Koroisau told AAP.
"Unlike when you're on the field you get the view of being able to see the game on the edges, through the ruck and across the field.
"Especially in the ruck speed, you can see where Queensland got the edge over us.
"I still think it (space) is mainly something you've got to pick up on and sense on the run."
Fittler complained about the officiating of the ruck but it is expected that Ashley Klein - who had charge of Origin I - will again be appointed as the referee for Sunday's game.
As well as promoting Koroisau from his extended squad, the Blues coach has added Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton to the centres, Cameron Murray to the backrow, Jake Trbojevic at prop and included Angus Crichton and Siosifa Talakai on the interchange.
The addition of Koroisau to the Blues side means that Fittler has picked eight of last year's grand final-winning Penrith outfit as he bids to square the series.
Penrith's rise in recent times coincides with Koroisau's arrival at the club and Fittler will be hoping for a similar impact.
In 2019 the Panthers finished 10th, but Koroisau's first two seasons at the Panthers were marked by a minor premiership and last year's grand final triumph.
"It's obviously nice hearing people say that (I was the catalyst), but I think it was just their time," Koroisau said.
"A lot of the young Penrith boys made their debuts in first grade in 2019 and they have now become part of this incredible side.
"It's obviously nice what people say but at the same time I think if I wasn't there they would still be OK.
"We really know each other's games well at club level and hopefully we can move that into the Origin arena."
