Defeated NSW coach Brad Fittler says the character of his players is in question following a shock State of Origin loss to Queensland.

The Blues let slip a 10-point lead in Queensland’s stirring 18-14 win in Wednesday night’s series-opener.

Fittler’s Blues entered the Adelaide fixture as hot favourites against a Queensland outfit with eight Origin debutants.

But they exited with a humbling loss which Fittler says is a reality check.

“It actually gives us a good chance to have a bit of an attitude adjustment,” Fittler said.

“And realise that there’s a series now, ready to go.

“We will just see what sort of character we’re made of.”

Fittler has injury concerns ahead of game two in Sydney next Wednesday night.

Captain Boyd Cordner faces further concussion tests after passing a mid-game check from yet another head knock.

“It’s not ideal to keep getting head knocks,” Cordner said.

“But I have the best people around me, I have sought the best advice during the year.

“I will keep doing that, I will keep working with the medical staff.”

Cordner’s replacement Cameron Murray will have scans after limping off with what Fittler said could be a hip or hamstring problem.

But Fittler said the Blues would take great heart from coming from 1-0 down to win last year’s series.

“I trust in the group … they have got great character,” he said.

“And they know now what sort of team they’re playing against, it’s a really good footy team … when under pressure, they didn’t crack.”

Fittler said the spirited Maroons didn’t surprise him, but the “cheap errors” from the Blues did.

“Our quality wasn’t that fantastic,” he said.

“So it’s up to us. I still feel like the ball is in court and we can turn it around.

“It’s a State of Origin game. If you’re not at your best you’re going to get found out, simple as that.

“It’s disappointing. But we will react to it.”