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TURNER: Blues will get a Master-Pearce from Mitchell

Mitchell Pearce is not a redemption story - not yet, anyway. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Expert
3rd June, 2013
19

Mitchell Pearce has always had his detractors, but I have a hunch he will have a whole batch of new supporters after tomorrow night’s Origin series opener at ANZ Stadium.

The NSW Blues halfback has had nine chances to establish his credentials in the fiercest competition in rugby league and I believe everything is set up for him to take his game to a new level.

For starters, Mitchell has had the staunch backing of incoming coach Laurie Daley all season and that has got to count for a lot. When the boss wants you as his key man, your confidence soars and you tend to play accordingly.

Secondly, Pearce’s NRL form has been first class for the well-performed Roosters, and even his harshest critics must admit that he’s doing plenty of things perfectly and deserves his spot in Game 1 of the 33rd best-of-three State of Origin showpiece.

I also think that having his club-mate James Maloney playing alongside him will give Pearce added confidence. Watch for him to drive the Blues’ attack with great assurance tomorrow night – this is his time.

And speaking of assurance and confidence, I’m tipping the NSW boys to get the verdict by six points.

I think the team the selectors named is the right one from fullback to prop and right along the interchange bench.

This Blues team is ready to bring down one of the greatest rugby league combinations we have ever seen.

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The boys have bided their time – seven series losses is a sorry statistic if you have blue blood – but last year’s efforts under Ricky Stuart were fantastic and we lost by a whisker, one lousy point proving the difference.

The core from that team will be shaping up tomorrow night along with four debutants – Blake Ferguson, James Maloney, Andrew Fifita and Josh Reynolds.

I really like what this quartet will bring to the Blues’ challenge. Each has been in exceptional club form and when you really get down to it, each can prove to be the match-winner on the night.

NSW has two home games this year and that vital component – the crowd factor – should give the Blues the advantage they have craved for too long.

With the team they have chosen, I suspect NSW will take on the Maroons up the middle before spinning the ball wide to any number of attacking weapons.

It’s going to be as physical as ever, there will be plenty of feeling displayed from both teams. I can hardly wait until the kick-off; something special is about to unfold.

Don’t think for a moment that I have disregarded Queensland’s chances. No way!

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They haven’t won seven straight series by chance – they have a fantastic team which contains guys who have won the Dally M, Golden Boot, Clive Churchill Medal, premiership titles, and the list goes on, and on.

But the fact remains that the Maroons are getting on in years. And some of their superstar category performers haven’t been in the stellar class in recent times.

I am excited that young players such as Ferguson, Fifita, Maloney and Reynolds have been recognised for their consistent club form.

And I am prepared to say that each player will have a bearing on a telling NSW victory.

If you are going to the game or plan to catch it on TV or radio, I hope you enjoy the occasion.

State of Origin matches are not games. They are season, and often career-defining events.

Go you mighty Blues!

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