Blues set to enter enemy Origin territory

NSW will complete their final training session in Coffs Harbour on Sunday before heading into enemy territory for their do-or-die State of Origin match.

After a week full of disruptions, Blues coach Laurie Daley will simply be hoping all his troops come through unscathed following Saturday’s dramatic withdrawal of centre Josh Morris.

The Canterbury star ruled himself out after succumbing to a groin injury he picked up during the week, with Dylan Walker to start in his place and Jack Bird to make his Blues debut off the bench.

“Dylan’s slotted in nicely on Thursday and worked there well with (Blake Ferguson and Adam Reynolds),” Morris said.

“Obviously Jack’s been playing some great football for the Sharkies so I’m looking forward to seeing how they grab this opportunity.”

With the series on the line in just three sleeps, second-rower Josh Jackson urged his teammates to accordingly amp up their ferocity in training over the next few days.

They have just two more sessions, including Tuesday’s captain’s run at Suncorp Stadium.

“The next couple of days at training have got to be the real intense ones for us,” Jackson said.

“A lot of work has got to be done to make sure we’re at the right intensity and executing well coming into the game on Wednesday. These are big days for us.”

Criticised for a rigid and conservative attack in game one, the Blues spent the early part of the week honing their ball use with the aim of scoring more than the 11 points a game they average under Daley.

Many experts have called for the Blues to abandon their reliance on set plays and play face-up football.

“The other day’s training session was purely attack. We worked on a few things there, but I’m sure today will be more around defence,” halfback Adam Reynolds said.

“Everyone’s got to nail down their role and make sure they know their responsibility at the time. We’ve definitely touched on that at the start of the week.”

Morris became the second player to be ruled out during the camp after second-rower Wade Graham was suspended from the game when he was found guilty of a high tackle charge at the NRL judiciary midweek.

The Blues fly into Brisbane after lunch.

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