NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley gives Mitchell Pearce control of State of Origin build-up

WITH Laurie Daley declaring ‘this is your team’, Mitchell Pearce will take complete control of every Blues training and video session before Origin I.

IT’S the Blues’ winning formula built on trust, belief and accountability.

It’s also the Laurie Daley coaching philosophy which delivered an end to eight years of Origin heartache in 2014.

With Daley declaring “this is your team”, NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce will take complete control of every Blues training and video session in the countdown to Origin I next Wednesday.

Laurie Daley last implemented the bold coaching method with overwhelming success three years ago, when Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson cut video of the Maroons and led NSW team meetings, before steering the Blues to a 2-1 series win.

NSW Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce in Origin camp on Tuesday. Picture: AAP

Alongside his halves partner James Maloney, Pearce has been charged by Daley to hold every NSW player accountable by “coaching” his Origin teammates through every attack session — he is adamant the Blues No.7 is ready for the role.

“It’s good trust (from Daley),’’ Pearce said. “I’m at an age where I run our side at the Roosters and call most of the shots there.

“It is a style I am comfortable with. As a rep team, you’re obviously playing with different players so we have to hit the ground running.

Mitchell Pearce is back in NSW colours after missing selection last year. Picture: Peter Wallis

“It’s my job to take responsibility of the side. It’s my job to run the attack.’’

Daley admitted the decision to place the hopes of an entire state on the shoulders of his halves, and in particular Pearce, was made with clear intent.

“It’s a good way to build trust in this group, to have your key players run the show and then they’re more accountable than ever,’’ Daley said.

“I probably went away from it last year. The 2014 series we did that and I like to give responsibility to the halves.

Mitchell Pearce, Boyd Cordner and Trent Hodkinson after the series loss to Queensland in 2015. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“They’re the brains of the show and they’re the ones that get the team around. The more responsibility you can give them and make sure there is total clarity in their roles and they’re holding people accountable.

“I think it a great opportunity for Mitch to put his stamp on our team.’’

Having arrived in Kingscliff on Tuesday afternoon, the Blues will hit the training paddock for the first time together on Wednesday.

Pearce spoke about his emotions, both of having watched the Blues the last two series and also, the thought of reclaiming the shield.

Mitchell Pearce’s form for the Roosters this season has been much improved. Picture: Getty Images

“I would cry for sure (if NSW won),’’ Pearce said. “It’s been a long time for everyone.

“They have been too good for us for too long. They have had a brilliant side and been way too dominant for NSW.

“It kills me that we haven’t won a series. It kills all the boys.

“Being back in the Origin side and chasing a series win, playing footy at this level, was definitely a goal. This series, to give ourselves the best chance, playing to my strengths and our halves strengths is going to give us every chance to attack as well as we can.’’

Originally published as NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley gives Mitchell Pearce control of State of Origin build-up