Jennings was man of the match in Origin II but his overexuberant celebrations almost cost him the opportunity to back up for the decider. Ironically it was Pearce, as part of a 10-person leadership group at the Roosters, who sat in judgment over an indiscretion which led to police charges and will be heard in court. However, Pearce believes the one-match ban - and the adverse publicity that went with it - will suffice for his incident at a Parramatta carpark.

"For sure, it's not just about his footy ability," Pearce said.

"He got his punishment by missing one game and the public humiliation that comes with it. After that I expected him to go about his normal business and he scored one and set up a couple for us ... For us, that's the way it's set up - the leadership group and the way Robbo [coach Trent Robinson] run the club, there are standards we stick by.

"If you don't stick to them, you expect not to play. There wasn't much of a drama, there wasn't much of a fuss made over it. It doesn't matter who it is, if you do the same thing you would have been stood down."

Speaking for the first time about the incident, Jennings thanked Blues coach Laurie Daley for standing by him.

"Yeah, I am excited and thankful at the same time," Jennings said. "Loz has stayed true so it's pretty exciting and just good to be back in camp and with the boys."

Asked if he realised how close he was to being stood down for game three, the in-form centre said: "Obviously that is going to go through my head, that it has come close to that.

"I was happy with whatever decision Loz made and I am happy with the decision he made. I am in the team now and I am excited.

"[My teammates] have been pretty supportive. It has been knocked on the head and now it's time to move on."

The Blues have barely touched a drop of alcohol throughout their opening two Origin camps and the squad will again stick with the preparation. Jennings said he wouldn't be tempted again during his team's stay up north.

"I don't think there is anything to do in Coffs anyway," Jennings said. "I am just going to prep the way I did in game two. I am confident in my ability."

Pearce, who has combined with Jennings since he switched from Penrith, knows just how vital the centre is to NSW's chances of retaining the shield.

"He was a match-winner for us in game two," Pearce said. "He's one of the best players I've played with. He's such a classy player, he's delivered for us over the last three years and got us over the line in so many games. He's a match-winner and one of the best players in the game."

While doubt remains over the fitness of hooker Robbie Farah, the Blues have been able to name the same 17 that upset the Maroons in Melbourne. The squad will be boosted by the arrival of fringe and shadow players including Tariq Sims, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sione Mata'utia and possibly Josh Reynolds.