vBookie: 2014 STATE OF ORIGIN - QLD v NSW - Game 1

[rhugh89]

Josh Jackson and Will Hopoate called in NSW Origin camp

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...led-into-nsw-origin-squad-20140524-zrn3q.html

 

[rhugh89]

New South Wales hooker Robbie Farah says, I’m going to win this for my mum

• DAVID RICCIO
• THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
• MAY 25, 2014 12:00AM

NSW Blues Origin hooker Robbie Farah. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia


IF only Origin I was held last Thursday.

Sitting inside the NSW Blues team hotel, inspirational hooker Robbie Farah spoke with tears falling into his hands.

And supposedly, Origin still means more to Queensland.

If Farah, the NSW vice-captain, could’ve reached for his mouthguard there and then, he would’ve.

Ripped his t-shirt off for a sky-blue jersey there and then, he would’ve.

For Farah, every day since last year’s Origin series loss to the Maroons, the Blues eighth series defeat in a row, has been like last Thursday, full of hurt and heartbreaking memories.

And not only for the personal regret that he still carries each day after being unable to lead NSW, in the absence of injured Blues skipper Paul Gallen, to a series-deciding victory last year - but also for this sorrowful time of the year which marks the two-year anniversary of the passing of Farah’s mother Sonia.

Origin for Farah, is an occasion so bitter-sweet that the 30-year-old pauses to regain his composure, before answering the question; what does State of Origin mean to Robbie Farah?

“This time of year and the timing of which everything happened (to Mum), this jersey has taken on a whole new meaning for me,’’ Farah told The Sunday Telegraph.

“The emotion of that night, game two in 2012 in Sydney, that was the last game Mum watched me play wearing a sky-blue jumper and for me, that’s special.

“When we put her to rest, with her is my NSW jersey with my name on the back and…’’

As Farah respectfully apologises for his emotions coming to the surface, you quickly learn that Farah is the epitome of the player NSW coach Laurie Daley is desperately trying cultivate in the current Blues squad.

A player who, so desperate to be part of Daley’s team, returned from a month out following elbow surgery last weekend for the Tigers against Cronulla with a man-of-the-match performance.

“Obviously after everything I had been through over the previous 12-months, I thought ‘gee, wouldn’t this be a fairytale’.

“24-months earlier, I was not even being considered as an Origin player and now I could potentially lead our State to break the drought.

“Then to lose that game, it hurt pretty bad. It knocked me around, to be brutally honest.“You never forget it. It still hurts today.

“Until you write those wrongs, it’s always going to be there. There’s always going to be regret.

“That disappointment of failure is something we need to change, its something I’d love to achieve to finally put those bad memories to bed.’’

After five days in camp in Coffs Harbour, the Blues arrive in enemy territory in Brisbane this afternoon.

They arrive as a group of men hoping to alter history, aware that they must draw on their every emotion to deliver for their state, just as Farah showed last Thursday.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-this-for-my-mum/story-fni3fqyo-1226930412801

- - - Updated - - -

State of Origin: Laurie Daley will ask his 17 players to own their own moment

• DAVID RICCIO
• THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
• MAY 25, 2014 12:00AM

Coach Laurie Daley will ask his 17 players to own their own moment of history. Source: News Corp Australia


AS a player, Laurie Daley won five State of Origin series with the NSW Blues.

He won three premierships with Canberra, captained the Kangaroos and achieved the highest individual awards.

The champion five-eighth knew how to own a match — and 15 years after his final match, his impact can never be erased or forgotten.

Just before 8pm on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium, Daley, as NSW coach, will ask his 17 players to own their own moment, which as Daley can attest, could change their lives forever.

“To own it, you’ve got to work hard,’’ Daley said.

“If they (Blues) win a series they are part of Origin folklore, they are part of history.

"At the moment we’re not. And that’s something that drives us all, we all want to be part of it.

“I want to make sure this team and this organisation and our group are as good as what we possibly can be so that they can own their piece of history.’’

Clearly, given his wonderful record as a player, Daley has met and dealt with adversity in his time.

But what the Blues are facing is sport’s equivalent to scaling Mt Everest.

Two of the three matches in this year’s series will be played on the Maroons home turf.

The TAB have installed NSW at their longest price ($2.85) ever in an Origin match at Suncorp Stadium.

Daley, 44, recognises the challenge will begin in earnest when the new-look Blues line-up touch down in Brisbane this afternoon after five days in camp at Coffs Harbour to prepare for the series opener.

Only one team, the 2005 Blues, have managed to come back to win a series after losing the first games in year when there have been two matches scheduled in Brisbane.

So a victory on Wednesday night has never been more important for the Blues.

“They’re a great team, so we have to acknowledge that, but at the same time we want to become a great team,’’ Daley said.

And that’s the main reason why Daley is back here again.For him, the easiest thing to do after losing last year’s decider by just two points would have been to quit.

Certainly, he questioned whether, emotionally, he could go through the agony again — and it was a pain he felt for several months after coming so close last year only to fall at the final hurdle.

But ultimately, it was knowing how close NSW are to turning the tide which lured him back.

“I didn’t realise how much it was going to take out of me. I don’t know why,’’ Daley said.

“It’s like anything, you’re disappointed that you lose, then that sticks in your gut.

“You don’t want to quit and you owe it to everyone to stop being a sook and just get on with it.

“I took it to heart because I want the guys to have success and I want them to feel as though they own a bit of Origin.

"Hopefully our blokes go out there and show that passion and commitment and be better in the execution department and if we do that we give ourselves a chance.’

From the moment the Blues arrived in camp, Daley has offered unwavering faith in rookie halves Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson.

Each morning the pair meet in Daley’s hotel room to analyse how the coach wants the upcoming training session to be run.From the moment the trio leaves Daley’s room, Reynolds and Hodkinson are in charge.

Prior to each field session, the Bulldogs’ halves stand in front of their teammates, like teachers, breaking down each attacking play.

“I think the players really need to drive it. We lead them, but they need to drive it,’’ Daley said.

“Even with a young halves pairing, who haven’t been here a lot, at the end of the day they’re going to run the team on Wednesday night.

“So they may as well run it at training.’’

For Daley, it comes back to ownership and every NSW player must own the result and their own slice of history this Wednesday night.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...their-own-moment/story-fni3fqyo-1226930242429

 

[rhugh89]

Origin will reform Boyd, says Inglis

By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
6:00am Sun 25th May, 2014

Together they are the most potent attacking combination that Origin football has ever seen and both have seen their share of controversy but centre Greg Inglis believes spending time in Maroons camp will inspire Darius Boyd to reignite his season.

As the tumultuous year at Newcastle reached something of a head on Friday with Nathan Tinkler relinquishing ownership of the club and one of the players under most scrutiny has been Boyd.

Boyd's 12 Origin tries on the Maroons left wing is second only to his centre partner Inglis who has 15 but in eight games thus far in 2014 Boyd has just one try, one try assist and two line-breaks as his team flounders near the bottom of the premiership ladder.

Such has been his apparent disinterest at club level that questions were asked as to whether Queensland selectors would stick solid but Inglis has no doubt that joining his Queensland brethren holed up in the plush confines of Sanctuary Cove will bring out the best in him on Wednesday night.

"Knowing 'Darbs' I know he puts that aside," Inglis said of the controversy engulfing the Knights.

"I remember when I wasn't in great form and had distractions and they still picked me so it just goes to show the loyalty to you.

"It's been shown time and time again that if you're not playing great at your club and they pick you you can come in here and it can reform you.

"I think Darbs is solely focused on what he has to do in camp and what he has to do next Wednesday night and worry about Newcastle when he goes back there.

"Because we've been playing together for so long and so well together we don't really have to say anything to each other. Once you play and get that combination right with someone they definitely know what you want and how you play."

If that warning isn't ominous enough for Boyd's opposite on Wednesday night Brett Morris, his twin brother Josh is tasked with containing a 195-centimetre, 105-kilogram Inglis who is in the best shape of his career.

One tipping the scales at 116kg back in 2009, a switch to fullback with the Rabbitohs and a more strict adherence to his diet has seen him strip 10 kilograms and eye an Origin career that could go into the next decade.

He has canned the Diet Coke and banned bread from his diet and the result shapes as a frightening prospect for Morris who has performed containment duties admirably in the past.

"I'll keep playing until my body's had enough. At my age I could [play until 2020]. If the body holds up fine hopefully I'll get to 2020," said Inglis, who turned 27 in January.

"My heaviest I've ever been at I think was 2009 and I was 116 and I'm 106 now, between 106-107.

"In saying that, playing at that weight I didn't feel like I was at that weight, I didn't feel like I was that heavy.

"I was still moving right and that sort of thing, it was just harder on the legs more than anything.

"The things I really cut down were bread and fizzy drink.

"That's one of the main things that I cut down on and just eating smaller portions throughout the day rather than a couple of big meals during the day.

"It's just really knuckling down on your diet and knuckling down on everything else and working out what works for you.

"I started out as a skinny kid and got the protein and the weights in and blew out a bit and there were questions about my weight and how I was carrying it and that was probably how I ended up with those injuries when I first joined Souths.

"Now I finally know what works for me and the foods to eat and all that sort of stuff.

"Not saying I didn't know that in the past but I probably took the easy option so it's really being disciplined with the food you put into your body."


http://www.nrl.com/origin-will-reform-boyd,-says-inglis/tabid/10874/newsid/78744/default.aspx

 

[rhugh89]

Hodkinson continues to impress Blues

By Chris Kennedy, in camp with the Blues
NRL.com
7:30am Sun 25th May, 2014

Rookie Blues halfback Trent Hodkinson impressed coach Laurie Daley enough to be swept into the side in an attempt to arrest Queensland's eight-year winning streak, and in his short time in the Blues camp he's kept winning over the people that matter – his teammates.

NSW vice-captain Robbie Farah says the new halves – Hodkinson and his Bulldogs teammate Josh Reynolds – have really taken control during training session and their talk has been great, which has been appreciated by the forwards.

"[Hodkinson] is there for a reason and has been picked because we are confident he can do the job," Farah said.

"We’ve got full confidence in Hodko and in 'Grub' [Reynolds].

"They’ve been playing great footy at club level and they're leading the comp for a reason.

"From all the signs at training they’ve been going great guns and we're confident we can take that into Wednesday night."

Farah played with Hodkinson for City in 2009 and says that experience was enough to convince him Hodkinson is a calm character who doesn't get flustered and is tough in defence.

"He's a proper halfback, he's directing us around the park, his service is great and his kicking game is spot on, which is important in Origin," Farah said.

"It’s important we get the end of our sets right, it’s so crucial.

"It’s probably an area in the last few years where we have let ourselves down.

"It’s such a key factor in big games that your end to the sets are spot on, that’s a massive advantage to his game.

"He has definitely matured. You can tell within himself he is a lot more confident and comfortable as a player.

"He's stepped in from day one and felt like he has belonged as a player.

"Laurie told them to take control and own the team, it’s their team and they've been great. No complaints from me, they are going great."

Second-rower Ryan Hoffman was also effusive when it comes to Hodkinson.

When asked about the likelihood of Queensland targeting him in defence, Hoffman said: "Trent's always been a strong defender.

"He's been a very strong defender at the Dogs and Manly and I've got all the confidence in the world in him and as long as I'm doing my job and we're getting our boys in front we're doing our role for the team.

"I know he's going to do his job by tackling and getting his body in front and I'll get in there and help when the opportunity arises."

As for Hodkinson himself, he was as calm and unflustered as his teammates suggest when he spoke to NRL.com about his impending Origin debut.

"Training's been real positive, we had our first run [on the Wednesday] going through our plays and it was a bit of a lighter session but it was nice and sharp, then day two was up another level," he said.

"Everyone's on the same page, everyone's been talking and putting in and they've been going well."

He said from his point of view, Wednesday can't come soon enough.

"It's probably going to come around pretty quickly.

"I'm just going to soak it all up, I'm not going to listen to too much outside of what we're here to do. We're in camp, I'm just going to bunker down and I'm looking forward to it."


http://www.nrl.com/hodkinson-continues-to-impress-blues/tabid/10874/newsid/78758/default.aspx

 

[rhugh89]

State of Origin: Queensland icon Wally Lewis unloads on NSW Origin side ahead of game one

• PETER BADEL
• NEWS LIMITED
• MAY 26, 2014 12:00AM

Maroons great Wally Lewis. Source: News Limited


MAROONS icon Wally Lewis has blasted Paul Gallen as disrespectful and questioned the selection strategy of a NSW team he claims will never understand the meaning of Origin.

Gallen's “two-heads” jibe carried more promotional than malicious intent but it has incensed Maroons pioneers like Lewis, who believes it denigrates Queensland's record dynasty.

The Blues arrived in Brisbane on Sunday night from their Coffs Harbour base and Gallen is set to face a hostile reception from 50,000 Maroons fans in Origin I on Wednesday night.

The NSW skipper has never won an Origin series since his 2006 debut and Lewis says Gallen's record illustrates why the Blues cannot grasp Queensland's passion.

“I don't think NSW ever did get Origin. If this (run of losses) continues for NSW, they might eventually get it,” said The King, a veteran of 31 Origin matches.

“That (Gallen's comment) was an indication of a long-held disrespect for Queensland.

“For NSW, it was a waste of f***ing time playing Queensland for decades and then I hear Gallen joking about the two-headed people up north.

“Paul Gallen was obviously trying to make a painful memory amusing, but show me a current Queenslander who has been insulting to NSW and their players.

“Mal Meninga (Queensland coach) is big on respect. When has a Queensland player in this team put s*** on the Blues and ridiculed them?

“Public humiliation is not a part of this Queensland squad and that's why they have class.

"Mal's men don't have to resort to ridiculing NSW to enjoy their victories.

“You can quote me on this ... I'd rather be in our position than to be in Gallen's shoes and have to suffer the embarrassment of eight straight Origin losses.”

Lewis is equally dismayed by the Blues' selection methodology.

NSW mentor Laurie Daley has taken the biggest gamble of his embryonic Origin coaching career, pitchforking debutant halves Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson into the Suncorp furnace.

Daley is banking on their successful club combination to orchestrate an Origin I boilover, but Lewis is puzzled by the Blues' boom-or-bust strategy.

“When did we start choosing blokes in rep sides only because they play alongside their teammate. That seems like a mercy dash to me,” he said.

“There seems to be a belief you have to pick club players who understand each other's games well enough and that's why they picked the two Canterbury guys.

“But when you are playing Origin football, you should just pick your best players.

“If the players are good enough, they will perform whether they have played beside each other in the NRL or not.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...head-of-game-one/story-fni3fr51-1226930998370

 

[rhugh89]

State of Origin: NSW Blues hone skills against country battlers in Coffs Harbour

• DAVID RICCIO
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• MAY 26, 2014 12:00AM

Michael Jennings takes on the defence of the Group 3 repesentive team during their opposed session against the NSW Blues. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia


IF NSW can pull off rugby league’s greatest upset on Wednesday night, Laurie Daley owes Hastings Hotel publican Robbie Trembath a phone call.

“They can thank us later, we’ll be claiming it for sure if they win,’’ Trembath said.

“All that pressure I put on Josh Reynolds out there, it’s sharpened him up for the match.’’

Trent Merrin attacks during the opposed session. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia


It was difficult to gauge who got more out of Sunday morning’s opposed training session in Coffs Harbour; Daley’s Blues or the best of the Group 3 Country Rugby League competition.

A collection of plumbers, electricians, cement renderers and part-time footballers, some of who drove three hours even after “playing yesterday and a few beers last night’’, to act as sparring partners for Daley’s heavyweights.

James Tamou against the Group 3 repesentive team. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia


The 65-minute hit-out before the Blues left Coffs for Brisbane was never about the scoreline. It was about NSW finding their rhythm against 17 moving targets

NSW had spent the previous five days in Camp Coffs perfecting their attacking plays, their line speed and goal-line defence.

With the players earning a day off on Monday before a final field session at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday, Sunday was a crucial opportunity for Daley and his coaching stuff to analyse every player under fatigue.

Aaron Woods takes a hit-up. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia


The “soft contact” was nothing new for Daley’s Blues, having used the same Sunday session last year to run through their Origin I tactics against the best under-20 players available.

And while the standard wasn’t of NRL quality, it would be naive to think that despite the drop in class of their opposition that the intensity or motivation wasn’t there.

“Smith, Smith, Smith,’’ NSW’s Trent Merrin barked as Country’s hooker took off from dummy-half.

“Let’s make this count, maintain the pressure,’’ Trent Hodkinson screamed after pouncing on a loose ball.

NSW tyro Anthony Watmough has been around rugby league long enough to know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to preparing for big matches.

And he was in no doubt that the session was invaluable practice just three days out from the all-important State of Origin opener.

“We can run through our plays as much as we want with no defenders, but until you actually run through them with defenders and see what you need to work on, you’re just going through the motions,’’ Watmough said.

“We got a lot out of today.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...in-coffs-harbour/story-fni3fqyo-1226931054686

 

[rhugh89]

State of Origin: I’m simply sick of losing, says NSW Blues captain Paul Gallen

• DEAN RITCHIE
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• MAY 26, 2014 12:00AM

Paul Gallen arrives in Brisbane on Sunday. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia


PAUL Gallen deserves better. He deserves to win. But he knows time is running out.

While the Blues have had to endure the anguish of Queensland’s near decade-long dominance, for Gallen it cuts deeper than the rest.

The NSW captain has played a role in all eight losing series as Queensland’s Origin juggernaut has wreaked havoc on the Blues.

By his own admission, Gallen only has two years left to finally beat the Maroons.If the unthinkable happens and Queensland continue their record winning streak, Gallen will finish his Origin career with 10 consecutive series defeats.“I concede that,” Gallen said.

“Next year will be my last year, for sure. But I am only worried about this year. Hopefully we can get the job done.”

The most passionate player in rugby league has been left heartbroken by the losses.

No player in either side would be happier with a series win.

The photographs stay with us all in NSW — Gallen dragging himself off the field without any reward.

“Unfortunately for me, I have had a very checkered (Origin) career,” Gallen told The Daily Telegraph.

"Of the eight series, I have only played in all three games three times — 2008, 2011 and 2012.

“The three times I have had a crack in the deciders — those losses have been heartbreaking.

“It’s been hard. What do you do? Not turn up. Last year I had to pull out of the decider.

“My Australian career has been great. I have played the last 30-odd Tests straight.

“But I believe I have always played well at this (Origin) level.”

Two of Gallen’s Origin games were dead rubbers.

“I don’t like losing,’’ he said.

“But Origin is such a privilege to be a part of. I feel honoured to be here again.

“I want to go out and perform to the level I know I can and if everyone plays to their ability, I am sure we can get the job done.”

Gallen and his NSW teammates have looked relaxed and calm during their five-night stay at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour.

The Blues thrived on being away from the pressure of Sydney.

They flew into Brisbane on Sunday night but no matter where they are, NSW will always hate Queensland.

“There is genuine hatred between the two states,” Gallen said.

“They hate us too, believe me.

“That’s the way it is. No one can deny it. It’s not an evil hatred. It is a hatred that fires the two states up.

“That’s why Origin is so great and that’s why it is the best spectacle in Australian sport, bar none.

“It is respectful hatred, if there is such a thing. The fans love the brutality of it, how brutal it is.

“They love the speed and skill. It’s the pinnacle of rugby league.

It’s the best of the best. There is no place to hide out there.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...tain-paul-gallen/story-fni3fqyo-1226931040529

 

[rhugh89]

Will Hopoate on verge of State of Origin call-up after year out of NRL for Mormon mission

• DAVID RICCIO
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• MAY 26, 2014 9:43AM

Will Hopoate and Jarryd Hayne chat at a NSW training session in Coffs Harbour. Source: News Corp Australia


THIS time last year, Will Hopoate was knocking on doors on his mission as a Mormon.

On Sunday, the remarkable comeback story of the Parramatta centre continued when he began knocking on the door for a State of Origin call-up with NSW.

With no access to a television, mobile phone or internet during his two-year mission, Hopoate was oblivious to the Blues’ gut-wrenching 2-1 series loss to the Maroons last year.

Now, he has a front-row seat to Wednesday night’s series opener at Suncorp Stadium.

Hopoate was called in as the shadow back option for NSW should an injury or hiccup arise on Saturday night, alongside no-nonsense Canterbury forward Josh Jackson, who has also earned a deserved call-up as the Blues’ 18th man

But the dramatic rise from having not touched a football in two years, to be now in the reckoning this series for the Blues is just another amazing chapter in the career of young Hopoate.

He admits, even he has been shocked that after just 10 weeks of NRL, he is here on the cusp of playing a part in this year’s series.

“I’m slowly finding my feet again,” Hopoate said.

“But definitely, I never thought I’d be back this fast and that’s all thanks to Laurie for bringing me in to experience the camp with the Blues.

“It’s a thrill to be among some of the greatest players in the NRL.”

The second youngest player ever to represent NSW, behind Blues great Brad Fittler, Hopoate produced a dynamic Origin debut, scoring a try in the 2011 series in his only appearance to date.

“It (Origin) was definitely one of the greatest moments of my career,” Hopoate said.

“To pull on the sky-blue jersey was something so special. And at that time everything was happening so fast, that year in 2011.

“Parramatta have been massive for me. They’ve been such a huge help, without them and their help and their assistance, I don’t think I’d be here now.”

Despite Hopoate missing out to NSW centre-pairing Michael Jennings and Josh Morris, Daley suggested it was inevitable that ‘Hoppa’ would be soon running out for the Blues.

“He’s played really well and he’s someone that will eventually be back in the system,” Daley said.

“It’s just good to give him an early taste again and if injuries or whatever happens we know we can call on him.

“He’s a class player and he’s a guy that is very well respected. The more that we can fast track him now, the better it will be for down the track.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...r-mormon-mission/story-fni3fqyo-1226931456821

 

[rhugh89]

Gallen laughs off 'two-heads' furore

By Chris Kennedy, in camp with the Blues
NRL.com
1:30pm Mon 26th May, 2014

Inspirational New South Wales skipper Paul Gallen says he can only laugh at the fallout from a passing joke he made at the team announcement function at the Hilton in Sydney last Tuesday.

Explaining to attendees the passion behind Origin, Gallen said there is 'genuine hatred' between the two teams, before making a passing reference to Queenslanders as 'two-heads'.

The comment made headlines in both states and has now led to a return spray from Queensland legend Wally Lewis, who was reported in Queensland's Courier Mail calling Gallen disrespectful, then adding New South Welshman 'don't get' Origin.

Gallen told reporters he could only laugh at the fallout, before taking a return swipe at Lewis.

"Wally's entitled to his opinion; I'm not quite sure what his definition of not ridiculing NSW players is when I assume that's what he's trying to do today to me," Gallen said,

"He obviously didn't see the article in last week's paper calling our two halfbacks duds.

"But this is fun, this is part of the build up of Origin, this is what my comments were aimed at last week.

"I was trying to explain to that room [at the Hilton for the team announcement] how fanatical Queensland people are and how much they get behind this whole concept.

"When you walk the streets they let you know about it, as do the former players. It's part of the build up."

He said he wasn't concerned at Lewis's comments, saying they hold "little weight" and describing them as a "non-issue".

"I honestly laugh at it, I cannot believe the amount of turmoil [the two-heads comment] has caused.

"I was at a luncheon where people have paid thousands of dollars to be there and they don't want the yes/no answers that certain rugby league players give.


"I was trying to give them an insight, I was probably giving the Queenslanders a rap on how much they get behind their team. It was a joke, I said it laughing and I just laugh at the amount people talk about it."

He said the Blues have had a welcoming reception since they landed in Queensland on Sunday afternoon, with a small crowd of mostly Blues supporters welcoming them on the tarmac and lining up for photos.

"One couple even said 'we're Queenslanders but we love you' so that was interesting!" Gallen laughed.

"I'm sure it'll be different today when I head down the mall. I'll get out and about – you've got to embrace it.

"Someone like me, I don't have many opportunities left.

"This is all part of Origin, this is all part of the build up, this is what makes the spectacle so great. If people didn't get behind it and watch it it wouldn't be going any more."


http://www.nrl.com/gallen-laughs-off-two-heads-furore/tabid/10874/newsid/78788/default.aspx

 

[anthemlost]

gal is sick of losing. we are sick of watching it LOL

 

[rhugh89]

Mullen backs Blues

By Matt Logue

Mon 26th May, 02:55PM


Jarrod Mullen isn't playing in Wednesday night's opening Origin but the Knights five-eighth says he'll still be cheering on the Blues from his Merewether lounge room.

While Mullen missed out on selection in this year's series, the classy playmaker hopes NSW can perform well and finally end Queensland's eight-year dominance.

"I would love to be playing, but it’s obviously not meant to be," Mullen said after training on Monday.

"I hope NSW can win though and end this streak.

"It will be nice to get a win up there first off.

"That will definitely give them a bit of confidence heading into the next one.

"But it’s not going to be easy, because it's definitely tough playing up there (in Brisbane)."

Mullen is particularly looking forward to watching teammate Beau Scott in action, a bloke who has been one of the Club's best performers this season.

"Beau has been our best player all year," he says.

"He definitely deserves his spot there. He is an Origin type of player and hopefully he can play good for himself, his family and definitely for Newcastle."


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/05/26/mullen_backs_blues.html

 

[rhugh89]

Arrogance may be the one thing that prevents Queensland winning nine series in a row

• RICHARD HINDS
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• MAY 27, 2014 12:00AM

THE Queensland squad, we are informed, has been given a “complete education about the history of the maroon jumper’’. The first three hours were on how to put it on.

Which is the kind of joke we used to tell in the days when huffing, earnest, beetroot-faced Queenslanders were the best source of cheap, reliable humour this side of Will Ferrell.

Back when the thought of NSW winning Origin was not only entertained by the type of bleary-eyed optimist who won’t spend more than 10 seconds on the phone in case Scarlett Johansson is trying to call.

Now? In the build-up to Origin I predictable attempts have been made to cast Queenslanders as the hilarious chippy little cousins still raging about ancient atrocities.

Slack-jawed yokels incited by their conniving generals to wage bloody war against uppity southern tormentors to settle mostly contrived or imagined old scores.

Wally Lewis did his bit to maintain the stereotype with a cartoon-book rant about Paul Gallen’s supposed lack of respect.

But Lewis hails from an era when Queenslanders called for pistols at 20 paces if a Sydneysider picked the pineapple off a Hawaiian pizza.

Besides, Suncorp Stadium wasn’t sold out.

Who better than the man with a statue in the forecourt to pump up the phoney war and help sell the last few expensive seats?

The reality is that, eight Origins later, laughing at Queensland is a bit like laughing at Malcolm Marshall at the top of his run-up.

More an act of foolhardy bravado than real confidence. State of Origin’s paradigm has shifted since the days when Queenslanders cast themselves as the downtrodden avengers and NSW were the arrogant, born-to-rule oppressors.

Which for those who insist Origin is won and lost above the shoulders (I mean inside the head, not by pulverising one) provides a faint glimmer of hope before a game many once swaggering New South Welshman will watch in the foetal position.

Hubris is the Maroons’ one potential weakness.

And, no, Hubris isn’t a hulking winger from the very southern Queensland town of Dubbo who Mal Meninga will unleash on the Blues.

It is the sense of arrogance that can overwhelm and debilitate even the greatest force.

It is the thing that came to mind as the “humble’’, “team-oriented’’, “down-to-earth’’, “northern proud’’ — and all the other country and western lyrics the Maroons compose about themselves — Queenslanders ambled onto the stage at their team naming.

Gangsta rap, strobe lighting, ring announcer at the microphone.

You half expected Hulk Hogan to be named at prop.

Then there is the supposed pact taken by Queensland’s senior players to win 10 series in a row before handing over to the new generation.

Code for: Cool your heels for two more series Daly and you can have the keys to the Maroon Ferrari.

Which should provide more comfort for the Blues.

The Queensland team which prides itself on its tackle-by-tackle, pass-by-pass, hit-by-bloody-hit discipline looking beyond this game — and even this series — to greater glory?

Could it be the pride that comes before the fall?

The sense of hubris extends to the Queensland fans whose thirst for NSW blood once made Dracula look like a rope sandal-wearing vegan.

Unreasonable ticket prices are the alibi used by the natives for unsold seats.

But could there also be a touch of victory fatigue?

The glib feeling they can watch this one on the banana lounge and turn up for the coronation ceremony at Origin III.

Of course, it is one thing seeking cracks in the Great Wall of Queensland. Quite another to slip through them.

We are about to find out if Laurie Daley is the master coach who has engineered a major cultural shift within a squad that is a work of selectorial genius.

Or if he has just thrown a dart at a copy of “Origin For Dummies’’ or is gunning for first prize in a Gus Gould impersonation contest.

If it’s the latter, making jokes about Queenslanders will continue to be hard work. Did you hear the one about the team that won nine Origin series in a row?

They were just too bloody good.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ar...-series-in-a-row/story-e6freuy9-1226932225971

 

[rhugh89]

NSWRL enlist the best on and off the field, with a huge support team to boost the Blues’ Origin hopes

• DAVID RICCIO
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• MAY 27, 2014 12:00AM

Blues coach Laurie Daley with leadership expert Garie Dooley assistant and Matt Parish. Source: News Corp Australia


AMONG them they boast a combined total of 1362 first grade games.

Together, they have pulled on the sky-blue jersey of NSW a collective 92 times, while for Australia, they have represented on 84 occasions.

Meet the NSW Blues team, behind the team.

They are the 17 coaching staff members, led by NSW head coach Laurie Daley, who are pushing, prodding and providing every opportunity for the Blues to snap eight years of Origin agony on Wednesday night.

When Daley made his State of Origin debut for NSW in 1989, the Blues boasted a doctor, strapper, trainer and a team manager.

“I don’t even think we had a physiotherapist,’’ Daley recalled.But providing a support network of high performance to the Blues that would rival the resources in place at Manchester United, household rugby league names.

They include assistant coaches Brad Fittler and Paul McGregor, forwards coach Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach and Blues team manager Andrew Farrar.

They have been joined inside Blues camp by team of professionals, including sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists and even life coach Garie Dooley, who was influential in helping maintain the famous ‘Bloods’ culture at the Sydney Swans.

The unprecedented investment to surround the Blues with a standard of excellence was made by the NSWRL in November last year.

With everything from what the players eat, sleep and drink placed under the microscope, no stone has been left unturned in the Blues mission in trying to arrest the Origin shield back from Queensland.

“We wanted to raise the standard and raise the bar and be known as a professional organisation, right through from the top level and also into the office,’’ Daley said.

“The board were determined to make that change and that’s the charter that I’ve been given.

“We want to try and be the best we possibly can.

“That’s why our sports medicine is the best, our training facility is great, we just want to make sure we’ve got all bases covered.

“And some people may think its over kill. But too be honest we probably could’ve added more.

“We could’ve had a nutritionist and a sports psychologist and things like that.

“This is not going to win it for us, but it will just help drive a culture and help drive leadership and create leadership.’’

Each morning, players are asked to fill out a questionnaire on how they rated their sleep.

Urine samples are taken to analyse by the team of sports scientists, while every player has been wired with GPS systems during every training session, which then allows the coaching staff to determine which players need less or more time for recovery.

“It’s everyone’s team so we need to make sure we recognise that and give the players the best chance of delivering for our state,’’ Daley said.

“We’re well resourced, we’ve been given every opportunity and I want the players to know that everyone cares.

“The NSWRL board care, coaching staff care, the people of the state care, so we want to give the boys the best chance.’’

“Hopefully our blokes go out there and show that passion and commitment and be better in the execution department and if we do that we give ourselves a chance.’’


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ues-origin-hopes/story-fni3fqyo-1226932369275

 

[rhugh89]

All eyes turn to Blues halves

By Chris Kennedy, in camp with the Blues
NRL.com
7:38am Tue 27th May, 2014

Captains of both Origin sides say they're the two players under pressure.

They were the biggest talking point before and after the team announcements and during the week-long lead-up, and on the eve of Origin I all eyes are still squarely on the Blues' new halves, Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.

Blues skipper Paul Gallen said the biggest difference between two fairly evenly matched Origin sides over the past two to three years has been the kicking from Queensland halves Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk and hooker Cameron Smith.

He also said there will be more pressure on the Blues halves even than on star fullback Jarryd Hayne.

"They know that – that's why halves get the big dollars, because they are under pressure, they have to perform in big moments," Gallen said.

Maroons captain Smith was happy to rap his own halves, saying the best three in the country will line up for Queensland on Wednesday – with Daly Cherry-Evans on the bench.

"At the end of the day it's up to us to minimise what [the Blues halves] do in the game, particularly Reynolds.

"He's quite an X-factor type player, he's been playing like that for the past couple of years for the Bulldogs and he just plays with a lot of energy," Smith said, adding Queensland will certainly look to target Origin debutant Hodkinson in attack and defence.

He said Origin is a big jump from club football.

"Reynolds has been there before in a different role, as a utility, he knows what it's about but certainly Hodkinson is coming into his first match so that's an opportunity for us to really test him out and see how he handles it."

Thurston cautioned that while the pair had been going well at club level, Origin is a whole new ball game.

"They'll come to see on Wednesday night what it's like and we need to try and pressure them there as well," Thurston said.

"They're confident in their own ability, you can see that on the field so they won't be nervous or anything like that, they'll be looking forward to the challenge."

However Gallen was confident the pair would rise to the challenge.

"Things haven't been clunky at all [in training], they've been smooth, we said what we wanted to do and practised it once then put it in motion on the training field," he said.

"Everything revolves around your halves; the halves and hooker are the centrepiece of your team.

"You try to build around them and they've been great, it's been really smooth.

"Hodkinson's passing game, he just whips a pass out like I haven't seen anyone do for a while, he's got a passing game on him. [Reynolds'] energy's really infectious.

"I think they're ready to go."

Gallen applauded how well the Blues halves had gone at running video sessions during the week and taking ownership of the team and assuming a leadership role.

"That's what they need to do because on Wednesday they're the blokes out there telling us where to run and what field position they want us to get to.

"They've been practising it throughout the week and we need to put it into motion on Wednesday," he said.

Hodkinson's former Manly clubmate, Manly second rower Anthony Watmough, had some very high praise for the debutant.

"I think Hokko's meant for this.

"They say not many players are born to play Origin but I think Hokko's toughness, it's perfect for him," Watmough said.

"When he was at Manly there was no better defender in the comp and if you see what he's been doing at the Bulldogs, he's been putting them big blokes on their backside.

"He's not afraid of anything, he's got great style, great technique when it comes to tackling and his ball skills are second to none.

"He'll handle it well – no doubt he'll be under the pump at some stage but we've got total faith in him."


http://www.nrl.com/all-eyes-turn-to-blues-halves/tabid/10874/newsid/78826/default.aspx

 

[rhugh89]

State of Origin: Fifita return puts Blues forwards on notice

• AAP
• MAY 27, 2014 11:08AM

NSW forwards will be playing for their positions in Wednesday night's State of Origin, with barnstorming prop Andrew Fifita ready to make an earlier than expected return from injury.

Greg Bird will also be available for game two selection, giving the desperate Blues pack even more impetus to throw everything at the Maroons at Suncorp Stadium.

Fifita was in a moon boot and getting around on a custom-made scooter last week after suffering a high ankle sprain in round nine, but at Monday night's NRL clash with South Sydney at Remondis Stadium, the Test forward warmed up with teammates before the match

Andrew Johns said in commentary for Triple M that Fifita was even pushing to play this weekend.

The Sharks have the bye next week, but coach Peter Sharp says Fifita is set to make a return the following week against St George Illawarra in round 13 - which would give him one chance to push for selection in Origin II.

“He's been remarkable with his healing and he is a chance,” Sharp said.

It's a major boost for Laurie Daley's Blues and also the battling Sharks, given Fifita was meant to miss at least six weeks and be unavailable for the return clash against the Maroons in Sydney on June 18.

“We had a chat and he said it's not feeling too bad, just improved every day so hopefully he's not too far away because we need him back on deck,” said Sharks interim skipper, Wade Graham.

Fifita's return to the Origin frame coincides with bruising lock Bird coming back from suspension.

Bird and Fifita would have been automatic selections for game one had they not suffered their last-minute mishaps, and NSW coach Daley is expected to closely consider bringing them back even if the Blues did come away from Brisbane with an upset victory.

Front rowers James Tamou and Aaron Woods and bench forward Trent Merrin will be put under pressure by Fifita, while proven Origin performer Bird would be hard to keep out of a second row or interchange role.

Sydney Roosters lock Boyd Cordner also suffered a high ankle sprain on the eve of the game one teams being announced, but at this stage is expected to miss Origin two as well.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rwards-on-notice/story-fni3fqyo-1226933017277

 

[rhugh89]

State of Origin: Laurie Daley delighted with NSW Blues' build-up to game one

• IAN MCCULLOUGH
• AAP
• MAY 27, 2014 12:44PM

Laurie Daley speaks to media on Tuesday. Source: Getty Images


LAURIE Daley admits he made mistakes in his first State of Origin series as NSW coach but believes his side couldn't be in better shape for game one on Wednesday.

Daley's relatively inexperienced team, which contains two debutants and five players with less than five Origins to their name, is looking to beat the Maroons in a live game at Suncorp Stadium for the first time in nine years.

On their last visit to Brisbane, Daley's side were beaten 26-6 following a horror build-up to the game that saw Jarryd Hayne ruled out with injury, Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan caught up in an incident at bar in Cronulla and prop James Tamou stood down for high-range drink-driving.

Ferguson was arrested and charged with indecent assault and his place in the side taken by South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt, who endured a poor debut as he crumbled under the weight of expectation.

Fast forward 12 months and Daley has no injury worries in camp and a happy and focused group of players following his decision to move the team away from Sydney to Coffs Harbour.

“You learn a lot from your first series, but there is no magic formula,” Daley said at the team hotel in Brisbane on Tuesday.

“Given the build to Origin, the focus, the media attention on the players, it can be draining.

“You don't want to have played the game before it's actually on.

“There is a real awareness now to try and have a gradual build-up and have a focus closer to the game rather than have seven days.

“You notice that energy saps from players and that is something I learned from last year.

“I should have known better because I remember that as a player so I've been very conscious of that this year.”

Daley's side won game one last year in Sydney but still lost the series 2-1, but he's well aware of the advantage they'd take into game two at home should they upset Mal Meninga's champion side.

“Ideally you'd like to win game one,” he said.

“But the nerves are good, I'm feeling very confident, the boys have trained well.

“We've got one more session to go and then we'll see how we go.

“We've had a really good build-up, we've prepared well, it's been a really enjoyable camp where the focus has been football.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ldup-to-game-one/story-fni3fqyo-1226933060326

 

[rhugh89]

Fox Sports News and a couple of other media outlets are reporting that Justin Hodges is not 100% and may be ruled out

If he is Will Chambers (19th man) will come in to the team

 

[Jekk]

gal is sick of losing. we are sick of watching it LOL

*Presses invisible "like this post" button*

 

[Hamish171]

Exams on week of origin 1 like usual but on Thursday have no exams so Wednesday night will be all sweet for me

 

[rhugh89]

NSW primed for harsh referee treatment in Game 1

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-match-against-queensland-20140527-zrpry.html