Cordner telling Blues rookies to relax
NSW's record batch of State of Origin rookies have been urged to leave the Blues' wretched past behind and embrace every aspect of their first camp ahead of next week's series opener.
The next generation had their first official training session at Coogee on Tuesday, with livewire centre James Roberts the only one among them sitting out as he continues to battle an Achilles injury.
NSW are preparing for next week's MCG clash as the youngest Blues side since 2004 with an average age of just 25.
The 2018 class carry memories full of pain, most of them having grown up during 12 years of Queensland dominance but their on-field scars are limited.
Only six have played in NSW defeats, well down on the 15 who entered last year's series.
"They're just pumped to be here," fullback James Tedesco said of the 11 debutants.
"Everyone who has got the chance to be here is just playing good footy.
"They're not worried about what's happened in the past. They're all focused on what's in the future. It's a new era with a new coach and they're all just excited for that."
How the Blues channel that enthusiasm will be the biggest challenge.
Skipper Boyd Cordner, 25, and himself the equal-most experienced player in the side with just nine Origins under his belt, will stress to them the importance of keeping energy in the bank.
The Blues have adopted a relaxed approach to the start with.
They'll have Wednesday off before returning to training Thursday and Friday, resting on Saturday and training on Sunday morning before boarding a flight to Melbourne.
"It's a long week and Origin is really intense," Cordner said.
"It can take it out of you if you're thinking about footy all the time.
"When we've got training on and when we're around footy it's putting all the energy into that and when we've got some downtime and time away from footy - that's exactly what it is.
"It's to get away from it all.
"When it gets a bit closer you start to focus a bit more on the game."
Crucial, though, in Cordner's message will be for the rookies not to change a thing from their club football.
Nine of the players have been influential in taking their sides to the top three on the ladder, while only David Klemmer, James Roberts and Trbojevic brothers Tom and Jake are from teams outside the top eight.
"They are confidence players and they have been playing like that all year," Cordner said.
"I will be telling them to do nothing different from what they do at club level. I'm sure they will come out and own it."
