Vanquished NSW players want Ricky Stuart to see through his renovation of the Blues' State of Origin side, urging their coach to resist a return to club football.
Written off as the worst team in NSW Origin history by one media outlet before Game 1, the Blues clawed back some pride by pushing Queensland all the way in a 2-1 series defeat.
They might not have worn the Origin crown since 2005 but those inside the NSW camp insist the tide is turning.
And they believe Stuart, the first full-time coach in Blues history, is the man to continue that revival despite a yearning to return to the NRL.
The feisty ex-NSW half-back got under Queensland's skin with his on-field tactics and off-field subterfuge and mind games, forming an extremely strong bond with his players.
"His (Stuart's) passion has (dictated) how NSW will play for the next five, 10, 15 years," five-eighth Jamie Soward declared.
"Ricky's got the passion now from the players and everyone wants to be in a blue jumper."
"He's put a lot of hard work into this and we wouldn't want anyone else coaching us."
"He's a passionate, emotional leader and we are behind him 100 per cent."
Lock Greg Bird, who played under Stuart at Cronulla, is another avowed Stuart follower.
"I think we've built something strong and I think we're headed in the right direction."
"We take that into next year and hopefully we've got a very similar squad and the same coach and we can start working together like Queensland have done the last few years."
Hooker Michael Ennis added: "He's perfect for this. He's been tremendous through the whole campaign."
"He's instilled a real belief among NSW players."