Hodkinson feels under more pressure than last year, when he helped lead NSW to a famous series win.

NSW coach Laurie Daley has kept faith in Hodkinson, who – by his own admission – has had a below-par start to the year. Hodkinson feels he could be the fall guy and axed ahead of game two should Queensland take the series lead.

"Yeah, I think so," Hodkinson said. "[Your spot is] always [on the line] in Origin. You're picking your best players to do the job and if you're not doing the job, you'll get replaced by someone who can do a better job. Yeah, for sure [I will be playing for my spot], but I'm not going to look at that.

"Being the first time [I played] last year, I wasn't under anywhere near as much pressure. I will embrace it. I'm looking forward to it."

Hodkinson has been dogged by speculation surrounding his spot for the bulk of this season, including criticism from former player Andrew Johns, who said Hodkinson should not be picked. He has also watched on as Bulldogs teammate Josh Reynolds was dumped from the NSW side.

Hodkinson tried to distance himself from conjecture surrounding his spot, but said it was almost impossible to seek refuge from the hype.

"It's been tougher than last year, being the incumbent, and at this time of year Origin is the main focus and there are lots of different opinions," Hodkinson said. "It was hard to ignore but I did my best.

"It's over the TV and newspapers, and it's hard to ignore, there is no doubt about that, but you've got to try [to] not read anything. At times you can get caught up in everything and it just goes against you. I just had to focus on my role at the Bulldogs, and I knew if I got selected I would do my job for Laurie.

"The form hasn't been the best compared to last year – I will be the first to say that. I'm confident now I'm here amongst the boys and having a chat to Laurie I would do my job for the team. I didn't know which way Laurie was going to go. I was definitely excited and there was a little bit of relief as well."

Hodkinson's NSW and Bulldogs teammate Josh Morris knows the strain the Origin uncertainty has placed on the NSW playmaker. He said Hodkinson's spot would not be the only place up for grabs should the Blues walk away from ANZ Stadium as losers.

"It's a bit cutthroat," Morris said. "We are in a position where we've got the shield and we have to try [to] keep it. If we lose, you come under review from everyone. It's not just [Hodkinson] whose spot is on the line, it's every one of us."

With Reynolds dropped, Hodkinson will partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves for the first time. Pearce has dealt with talk of Origin selection for the bulk of his career. Hodkinson said that common ground has drawn the two closer this week.

"We had a little chat about it," Hodkinson said. "I now know how he felt for all those years. He is a great player and is in great form."

Despite both being long-term No.7s, their roles will not change too much from what they usually do at club level. Hodkinson will keep his place on the Blues left-hand edge alongside Ryan Hoffman, Daniel Tupou and Michael Jennings, while Pearce will lead the right side of the field with Morris, Beau Scott and Will Hopoate.

Hodkinson has also continued to lead the Blues' video sessions – a task Daley handed him last year.

"[Daley] wanted me running the sessions and informing the boys what he wants me doing," Hodkinson said. "[Pearce and I] will link up and mix it up and play either side of the field. We're both sevens, but these days they are quite similar positions."