The man who ended the original Queensland dynasty has a single message for this year’s class of NSW State of Origin rookies: Don’t forget to defend.
Led by a record 11 debutants, the new-look Blues will on Wednesday aim to put almost 13 years of heartache behind them in the series-opener in Melbourne.
NSW legend Steve Mortimer was the first Blues captain to lift the shield in 1985, ending a run of three straight series triumphs under the State of Origin banner.
And while he’s enamoured by the speed and class of their attack, Mortimer warned Brad Fittler’s side against the pitfalls of over-relying on their individual skill.
“We do have a hell of a lot of great attacking players. I love it,” Mortimer told AAP.
“But someone told me if you’re going to play rugby league, you can have all the skills in the world. But everyone’s got to know how to tackle properly.
“Every one of those blokes need to know how to tackle and bring those Maroons down.”
Mortimer, who played nine matches for NSW, said the Maroons’ raft of exclusions meant now was the time for the Blues to bring an end to their dominance in the interstate rivalry.
He praised Fittler for selecting 14 of his 17 players from teams currently inside the top eight.
“Never has there been a greater opportunity. We have a fresh group of players now,” he said.
“Queensland have got some new players too. But those players we’ve got now, they’re all up in the top eight, except for David Klemmer who I really feel for. But he’ll lift himself. He’s such a great player.”