Fans’ true commitment
Yesterday a bunch of VB Blues attended a signing session – and they were blown away by what they saw. Aaron Woods, David Klemmer, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Wade Graham, James Maloney, Josh Jackson and Tyson Frizell were at the store appearance at AMART Sports Tweed Heads, where hundreds of fans queued in and around the store, spilling over into the carpark and onto the street. Raucous chants of 'New South Wales, New South Wales’ echoed in and around the building – inspiring stuff!
Sun’s out
Still on yesterday, Laurie Daley’s 18-man squad was also on hand for the team photo, taken pool-side at Mantra under a blazing sun, with players welcoming the change from Sydney's wintry temperatures. TV and print media sessions followed, where NSWRL.com.au spoke with Josh Dugan, Brett Morris, James Maloney and Josh Jackson ahead of Game Three, to run throughout the week. Following the media commitments, players enjoyed an afternoon of physio and massage, before a team dinner. Today the players sink their teeth into their first training session, with Mitchell Pearce and James Tedesco to front the press. In the first training run, expect coach Daley to review Game Two and issue his address to the entire squad as preparations ramp up. Steve 'Blocker' Roach also joins camp today – look out for Blues News later today on both our website and on our Facebook channel.
Sweet sixteens
Yesterday Brad Fittler’s NSW Under-16s side was revealed, with the young Blues to take on Queensland in the curtain-raiser to Origin III next Wednesday. There are several famous surnames in the side... with True Blues legends Fittler and Danny Buderus mentoring the side! The team goes into camp in Narrabeen on Friday before flying north on Sunday. The NSW v Queensland under-16s match will be live-streamed on www.NSWRL.com.au.
Cherry-Evans responds
In-form Sea Eagles playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans has responded to his Origin III snubbing by the Maroons – not that the VB Blues care much. Laurie Daley’s men insist no Queensland line-up chat, now focused on whether Cameron Munster or Michael Morgan will fill the no.6 position, will distract them, insisting “it’s no big deal”.
Blowing the whistle
The Origin III match officials have been named, with the same referees in charge once again. Congratulations to all match officials selected. Here’s hoping the fans once again get an open and free-flowing contest in what has been touted as the biggest Rugby League game of all-time.
Blue’s French flavour
Missed our in-depth look at the softer side of one of the VB Blues, including his French Canadian connection? Well, don’t! You may think of this man as an on-field hitman in Daley’s side, but there’s plenty to like about this ball-playing forward off the field, too.
Join the conversation
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Did you know?
There is still a very small number of Blatchys tickets available for Origin III - but these will not last. Get in quickly to secure your seats... or else you'll be watching at the pub/home/from the "comfort" of your mate's crusty couch. Don't delay, get in today!
