Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues captain Boyd Cordner says the 11 Holden State of Origin rookies selected by coach Brad Ftttler have earned their spots and will step up against Queensland in next Wednesday's series opener.
"It's really exciting times to be in camp again, State of Origin is on again," Cordner told media on Tuesday morning.
"It's always a good time of year, a lot of fresh faces, it's a different feel.
"They've been playing some really good footy in the NRL and really deserve their spots. You look at the team and all the guys are in form and pick themselves. They'll be coming with plenty of energy and enthusiasm, it's putting it in all the right places."
Cordner said Brad Fittler's new-look side has what it takes to erase the disappointment of last year's series defeat.
"It was disappointing how that ended, [but we] can't dwell on that now, have to move forward. Fresh faces, new coach, looking forward to the future."
The captain also backed Fittler's focus on attack in a side featuring strike weapons James Roberts, Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr and Tom Trbojevic in the backline.
"Definitely a good way to go about it, all these guys can score points and create points; that's a good weapon for us to have," he said.
"It's going to be back and forth footy but we've got some attacking weapons and can score points."
Cordner said his Roosters teammate Blake Ferguson was unlucky to miss out on selection having played in all three games for NSW last year.
"He's been in career-best form but it wasn't to be this year for him," Cordner said. "He would be a bit disappointed missing out but knowing Blake he'll keep putting his best foot forward for the Roosters and keep pushing because I know how much this jersey means to him."
The skipper wasn't concerned with the lack of Origin experience in his side.
"Not for me, if they go out and pay the way they do for their clubs it shouldn't be an issue.
"...They're just pumped to be here, everyone that's got an opportunity. They're not worried about what's happened in the past, they're happy to be here."
