The Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues have been urged to create their own legacy and become only the third NSW team in State of Origin history to win a decider in Brisbane.
The Blues continued their preparations today for Game Three of the series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday with a training session at the fields at Cudgen Leagues Club followed by weights at a local gym.
Blues debutant Jacob Saifiti returned to camp yesterday after being rushed back in to replace the injured Jordan McLean (hamstring). He was joined at training by extended squad members Chad Townsend and Dale Finucane.
The Blues have won just two deciders in Brisbane – in 1994 and 2005 – since Origin became a three-game series in 1982.
They were joined in camp this week by some of those players including Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, assistant Paul McGregor and True Blue Ben Elias from 1994; while assistant Danny Buderus and True Blues Nathan Hindmarsh, Mark Gasnier and Craig Wing were there from 2005.
“In ’94 I was fortunate to be amongst that group of men… we did something really special,” McGregor told Behind Blue Eyes for nswrl.com.au.
“We got a three-peat (series) in ’94 and came back from one game down to win games two (Melbourne) and three (Brisbane).
“It was Mal Meninga’s last game for his state… it was a game where the memories are right there, it doesn’t fade away.
“We just knew we had to go up and do something that hadn’t been done before really.
“It’s the challenge you want as a Rugby League player. It’s the challenge that you leave a legacy with.”
McGregor said the current crop of players also had a chance to create their own legacy.
“From 1994 to 2005 to now, there’s a long gap between those,” he said.
“These boys have got a great opportunity.”
McGregor outlined what captain James Tedesco and his teammates would need to do at Suncorp Stadium to retain the Origin shield.
“If you outwork your opposite – and make it personal in that battle individually, and collectively do anything for the person beside you inside and out – it goes a long way to winning a game,” he said.
“The talent is very similar across both teams.
“We will need to want it more than the opposition, which we will. We’ll need to make it personal with the player we’re playing against, which we will.
“You’ve got to leave it all out there – and I’m sure they will.”
