World UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski told the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues team to own the Ampol State of Origin field next week in Sydney like he owns his octagon when he competes.
Volkanovski, who has held the world title since 2019 and is preparing to defend it against Max Holloway on 3 July in Las Vegas, spoke with players, answered their questions and watched them train at Ignite HQ Centre of Excellence.
“I spoke to them about their headspace, their mentality because they can relate in many ways to what happens to me and what I do,” Volkanovski said.
“Obviously they are fans of UFC and have seen some of my fights, so they asked me what I was thinking at certain times…about being in comfortable and uncomfortable positions.
“They wanted to know what gets me prepared for those dark moments in the octagon, when things aren’t going my way.
“I told them to own the Origin field like I always try to own the octagon – that’s one way to stay on task and get through those dark times, dark places.”
Blues back rower Tariq Sims is familiar with Volkanovski, who is a NSW South Coast native who played for the Warilla Gorillas before switching careers, as he is a wrestling consultant for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
“To get him into the Blues camp and hear those stories again, it’s a refreshing thing to get into our heads on how to deal with the curve balls sport throws at you,” Sims told nswrl.com.au.
“We saw some vision of him during some of the toughest fights of his career. He fought back from those moments and left no stone unturned in his preparation.
“He was big on not letting his teammates down – his physios, sparring partners, trainers – and that applies to us in Origin.
“We want to fight hard for each other and with each other to get the job done.”
Volkanovski, 33, was presented with a Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues jacket and cap by coach Brad Fittler.
“I love my Rugby League and I love State of Origin so to come out and have a chat with the boys is something very special,” Volkanovski said.
“Now we have an extra connection – and they helped get me pumped up for next week.”
Game One of the 2022 Ampol State of Origin series will be played next Wednesday 8 June at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
