Inside Blues training: Legends, NRL referee playing key roles in NSW’s Origin preparation

Two former Blues stars turned out in torrential to help the NSW State of Origin side – but it was the sight of a match official that could be key to their Game I preparation. WATCH the video.

Brian To’o makes a splash in the Blue Mountains. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Two former Blues stars turned out in torrential Blue Mountains rain on Thursday to help the NSW State of Origin side.

Former centre Michael Jennings and ex-halfback Craig Gower were part of the St Marys Ron Massey Cup side which ran an opposed session against NSW at Wentworth Falls.

It was a wet day at training for the Blues. Picture: Rohan Kelly

With blue strapping on his left calf, Jennings ran with the Saints while Gower was the assistant coach.

Two other high-profile rugby league identities were also at Blues training.

Leading referee Gerard Sutton controlled the opposed session, giving players a reminder around rule and ruck expectations and speed.

And ex-New Zealand, Bulldogs and Bears sharpshooter Daryl Halligan was there to help NSW’s goal kickers.

Latrell Mitchell at training. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Halfback Nathan Cleary will kick goals although the Blues can also call on Stephen Crichton, Mitch Moses, Zac Lomax or Latrell Mitchell. Halligan successfully helped the Blues goal kickers last season.

Training was held in pouring rain with players slipping and sliding through the field puddles at Blue Mountains Grammar School, Wentworth Falls.

Leura was hit with more than 85 mls of rain on Thursday.

It isn’t an ideal preparation given the Maroons are training in the Queensland sun.

Michael Jennings plays for St Marys. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Blues head coach Laurie Daley watches on. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“They were challenging conditions,” said Blues fullback Dylan Edwards.

“I have admired (Jennings) from afar and (Sutton’s appearance) helps you with timing and what they expect.”

NSW forward Hudson Young added: “It (the rain) took me back to being a kid and running around with no shoes on.

“St Marys gave us a look at the shapes we think Queensland will throw at us.

“We can’t control the weather and there’s people out doing it tough in NSW and we’re thinking of them.”

St Marys winger Christian Crichton lined up against his high-profile brother, NSW centre Stephen.

Referee Gerard Sutton helped the Blues with their drills. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Jennings, who scored a try for St Marys against Ryde Eastwood in a Ron Massey Cup game last weekend, played 18 games for NSW between 2009 and 2016.

He played nine matches for the Sydney Roosters just last year.

Gower represented the Blues in six games during 1999, 2001 and between 2004 and 2006.

Now 47, Gower played 238 matches for Penrith.

Originally published as Inside Blues training: Legends, NRL referee playing key roles in NSW’s Origin preparation