Annual clash loses influence on Blues

Michael Chammas NSW are likely to use the lowest number of City-Country players in this year's State of Origin series since Queensland's dominance began in 2006.

League

Blues seek pre-Origin drugs guarantee

Michael Chammas NSW officials are planning to provide ASADA with a squad of Blues players they want exempted from questioning over the NRL doping scandal during the State of Origin series.

League

Path to Blues' jersey strewn with obstacles for Reynolds

Michael Chammas Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds will need to produce two months of brilliance if he is to push Todd Carney out of the NSW No. 6 jersey.

Blues board upbeat as Ricky states Origin case

MICHAEL CHAMMAS Ricky Stuart pledged yesterday to help NSW end a seven-year Origin drought, putting his hand up to remain on the Blues' coaching staff despite signing with Parramatta.

Poor form to blame for Blues snub, says Soward

Michael Chammas JAMIE SOWARD believes his early-season form - or lack of it - justified Ricky Stuart's decision to overlook the incumbent five-eighth for this year's State of Origin opener.

Warrior Mateo shapes as likely Williams replacement for Blues

Michael Chammas THE likely Origin-ending back injury to Tony Williams may open the door for Feleti Mateo to make his NSW debut at ANZ Stadium in game two.

Ailments are nothing to worry about, says Blues doctor

Michael Chammas NSW medical staff insist there is no cause for concern after Brett Stewart was forced to sit out yesterday's training session in Kogarah with a cold.

Injury scare in Blues camp as Grant goes down

Michael Chammas NSW debutant Tim Grant sent a scare through Blues camp this morning, leaving the field mid-way through the team 's training session with a hamstring injury.

Farah says Blues will still fire if Grant fails to shake off knock

Michael Chammas ROBBIE FARAH believes the Blues can overcome a late reshuffle in the front row if Tim Grant is forced out of game two with the hamstring injury that sidelined him midway through yesterday's session.

Morris twins link with elite band of Blues brethren

Michael Chammas BRETT and Josh Morris will join rugby league royalty when they become just the fourth pair of brothers to line up together for NSW next Wednesday night.

Blues are oozing big-match experience

Michael Chammas BETWEEN them, they have played in 89 Tests, 119 Origin games and 19 grand finals and collected 13 premiership rings.

Deja vu for axed Merrin as Blues bid to stop history repeating

Michael Chammas NSW coach Ricky Stuart has axed Trent Merrin from the Blues team for the series decider for the second consecutive year.

League

Williams X-factor for Blues

Michael Chammas When Brian Smith was at the helm of Parramatta, whispers of a rising star named Tony Williams were as loud as the noise he has created ahead of tonight's series decider.

Bin there, done that - but this time Blues get extra man

Michael Chammas FOR the second time in as many games this series, a sin-binning turned the game on its head. In game one, NSW paid the price for Michael Jennings's ill-discipline, but, last night, they benefited...

Brilliant Thurston leaves brave Blues reeling

Michael Chammas JOHNATHAN THURSTON, who finished the corresponding game last year in a wheelchair, officially took over Darren Lockyer's mantle as Queensland's maestro last night.

The real Jarryd Hayne ready to stand up for Eels, Blues

Michael Chammas RICKY Stuart left Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne out of the NSW Origin team for game one last year, declaring him better suited to five-eighth.

Spot of bother: Blues can't do without Hayne, says Kearney

Michael Chammas PARRAMATTA coach Stephen Kearney isn't sure where Jarryd Hayne best fits in the NSW line-up, but he is adamant his star fullback must be in the team.

Stewart fighting fit to help Blues turn back the tide, says Toovey

Michael Chammas MANLY mentor Geoff Toovey has allayed the fears of NSW coach Ricky Stuart, declaring fullback Brett Stewart fully fit to take part in all the Blues' training sessions if selected.

Blues backs the centre of attention

Michael Chammas Ricky Stuart has put his faith in the a centre pairing that has been banished to park football during the past 12 months.