KATRINA Barker is normally a bundle of nerves before NSW take on fierce Super W rivals Queensland.
The Tahs have beaten the Reds in the final in the opening two years of the competition.
Again, there is plenty at stake when the traditional foes clash at Ballymore Oval on Saturday.
Winner of the grudge match will be all but guaranteed top spot, which is rewarded with progression to the final and hosting rights.
Rather than be anxious, Barker is pumped and can't wait for the blockbuster.
"Usually I am nervous before we play Queensland but this year feels different," the Newcastle centre said. "I'm really excited to get on the field. Everything is kind of flowing for us. The girls all know their roles. We are taking risks and pulling them off. No-one is afraid to try something. If it doesn't work we just get on to the next job."
It's a tactic that has produced dividends. The Waratahs opened the competition with a 33-3 win over the Rebel's, beat Fiji 20-5 in a friendly during their bye weekend and thumped the Brumbies 41-6.
"Last year we played more of a forwards game," Barker said. "That is probably why I'm enjoying it more this season. The backs are running the show. We are getting the ball earlier and playing what is in front of us."
Nelson Bay winger Maya Stewart has been the major beneficiary of the more expansive game and has crossed for five tries.
"Maya has been really good," Barker said. "She is the fastest player in Super W and has started to back herself. She has stepped up and has gone looking for the ball."
Queensland are also unbeaten and are fresh from a 104-3 humiliation of the Rebels.
"Queensland bring the same thing every year," Barker said. "They are physical, have a high line speed and are very strong at the breakdown. We have to react to what they do. If the defence adjusts, we try something else, change it up.
"We are certainly not fazed by their scoreline against the Rebels. When we played the Rebels, the weather wasn't the greatest, it was our first game... lots of things. Melbourne had some key players out injured against Queensland as well.
"I don't think Queensland have really been tested yet. I'm hoping we can give them a bit of a shock."
