The last time NSW won a State of Origin series Twitter was a sound associated with aviaries and nerdy US college students were first being poked on Facebook.
The Blues have tasted success in just six of the past 21 meetings against Queensland and not prevailed in a series since 2005.
But despite this woeful record they somehow find themselves going into Wednesday’s series opener at ANZ Stadium as favourites.
Confidence south of the Tweed is high with several of Laurie Daley’s side in great form for their NRL clubs.
This has also been fuelled by Queensland boasting the oldest team in Origin history and starting a series for the first time since 2000 without the inspirational Petero Civoniceva in their front row.
A question about ‘Dad’s Army’ was the only time Maroons coach Mal Meninga showed any signs of bristling at Monday’s uncharacteristically cordial joint press conference with Daley.
Skipper Cameron Smith, who will turn 30 the week before game two in Brisbane, said he was unfazed by the average age of his side being just under 29 – three years older than the Blues.
“I think if you’re still playing good footy it doesn’t matter how old you are,” Smith said on Tuesday.
“If there were guys playing better footy or Mal thought there were guys that were younger and better then they’d be here.
“The `Dad’s Army’ tag is a bit of fun but I suppose it’s fact. There are a few guys that are 31 and Ash Harrison is 32.
“I’m turning 30 this year, but I don’t feel old. I am still playing footy and running around with a few young guys out there and I am still enjoying playing State of Origin footy.”
A large part of Queensland’s success has been the continuity of team selection and Smith sees the merits of Daley’s decision to partner Sydney Roosters halves James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce.
Cronulla trio Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita and Luke Lewis will also make up part of the Blues’ pack, while 11 of the side that played in game three last year were retained.
With NSW’s familiarity in the halves, Smith knows his side will need to dig deep and use all of their experience to win game one.
“It certainly hasn’t made it easier, they are a really strong combination at club level and have shown that with the Roosters this year,” he said.
“I think if you look at our side, the combinations we have between myself, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk that only makes a team stronger I believe.
“We’ve had a look at their halves and the way they play and minimise what they do well.
“We know what the Cronulla boys bring to the table, they like the ball in hand and the rough stuff in the middle of the field.
“We’ve got an idea in mind about how we go about things and we know we’re in for a tough night defensively.”