Origin III officially a full house
Tonight’s blockbuster series decider has officially sold out with the last tickets secured yesterday afternoon. NRL CEO Todd Greenberg says fans can expect an electric atmosphere for arguably the biggest Origin of all-time. “We have worked with Suncorp Stadium to maximise capacity. This sort of contest deserves to have as many people watching as possible.” To avoid delays, fans are encouraged to get to the game early to assist with the security process.
Boyd backed
VB Blues coach Laurie Daley has declared skipper Boyd Cordner will play in tonight’s clash. The hard-running back-rower was under the darkest of injury clouds, but all seems A-OK according to the coach at yesterday’s media call. Will Billy Slater play, though? Daley thinks so… but we won’t know for sure until one hour before kick-off, when official team lists are revealed on www.NSWRL.com.au
Star power backs the Blues
Some of Australia’s biggest celebrities have joined forces to show their support of the NSW VB Blues ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated series decider. From global superstars The Wiggles, to sports heroes including Dawn Fraser, Tim Cahill, Mick Fanning, Brett Lee, Kurt Fearnley and Layne Beachley, the support for the NSW side is overwhelming. See their personally-submitted messages, alongside other influential figures, in the video on www.NSWRL.com.au.
Watch NSW Under-16s live
Some of the game’s future stars will be on show tonight ahead of the series decider, with the NSW Under 16s side looking to retain the shield after claiming victory over a gusty Queensland Under 16s outfit last year. Catch all the action of the Origin III curtain raiser with our live stream kicking-off at 5.40pm.
Clock ticking for father Fifita
NSW VB Blues enforcer Andrew Fifita is preparing for one of the biggest games in his career tonight – and his wife remains in Sydney, heavily pregnant and close to giving birth to their third child. Fifita recently spoke of his anxious wait and says his wife has been incredibly supportive of him potentially missing his baby’s birth to lead NSW to a series victory. “She understands and knows it's my dream and wants me to be happy.”
Media watch
NSW VB Blues assistant coach John Cartwright (10am) and Queensland Maroons assistant coach Anthony Seibold (11:25am) front the media this morning as their respective sides prepare for one of the biggest matches in this history of State of Origin. Stay locked on www.NSWRL.com.au for the fallout from their media conferences.
Your questions answered
If you’re one of the thousands Blatchys Blues fans making the trip to Brisbane tonight, head to our Blatchys FAQs page to make sure you make the most of your Blatchys experience.
Rituals revealed
Check out some of these weird pre-game rituals and routines. Some of the VB Blues players like listening to some unusual music before the match, although some of the players' choices are mainstream too. But their pre-game routines? Wow. One player stayed up until 3am this morning to get ready for tonight!
Get social
Don't forget, wherever you're watching or listening to the game tonight, you too can get involved in the conversation. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (don't forget our official hashtag of #uptheblues) - we'll be posting exclusive content to each of our channels throughout the day and well into the night! And of course, stay locked on www.NSWRL.com.au for the pre- and post-match interviews, reviews, highlights and fallout from tonight's blockbuster. Up the Blues!
