There are some tough times ahead for those in charge of NSW rugby league as they pick over the remains of the Blues' carcass following another State of Origin failure.
It's now been three long years since the Origin crown resided in the 'premier state' and it ain't coming back anytime soon by the look of things.
There were concerns a few years back that Origin football was on its deathbed when NSW won three series in succession.
Things look just as unhealthy now, only this time it's the Blues on life support.
But before NSW fixes its on-field problems, changes must be made off it.
First item on the agenda is finding a coach who has no club ties.
Craig Bellamy has already confided to friends that he struggled with the enormity of State of Origin football and the exposure that comes with it.
He also found it difficult plotting the demise of Queensland's Melbourne-based players one minute and looking them in the eye the next and asking them to spill blood in the NRL.
Regardless of whether the Storm mentor wants the job again, it's time the role was handed over to a coach with no club ties.
The job has simply become too big to juggle.
Next to come under scrutiny should be the Teflon-coated selectors.
For all their rugby league acumen and wisdom, Bob McCarthy, Bob Fulton, Laurie Daley and Geoff Gerrard have now overseen three series defeats in a row.
It's time to bring in fresh blood with fresh ideas.
On the field it's clear some players have had their papers stamped 'never to play Origin again'.
Willie Mason, Braith Anasta, Brett White are among those facing exile, while Paul Gallen will surely serve penance for his petulant and ill-disciplined performance in Origin III.
So what of the Maroons?
A reporter asked Mal Meninga after Origin III what made Queenslanders able to lift time and time again in the face of adversity.
"Where you from? NSW? You wouldn't understand, even if I told you," a smug Meninga smiled.
But the big fella ain't fooling anyone.
As the Blues swallow a third straight series loss with the threat of further pain to come, it's far too easy to put Queensland's success down to old-fashioned guts and courage.
There is much more to it than that.
They are simply a brilliant football side who possess game breakers in all the key areas and players purpose-built for the brutality of Origin football.
And the worrying aspect for the Blues is that the nightmare has only just begun.