Blues playing for themselves, their families, Laurie Daley and the state, says Robbie Farah

ROBBIE Farah is talking to you. All 7.5 million NSW supporters who are craving a miracle. And the Blues vice captain is determined to grant his state that wish.

ROBBIE Farah is talking to you. All 7.5 million NSW supporters who on Wednesday, are craving a miracle.

That’s right, you.

He’s talking to Phil, the high school teacher, Jim who runs your local newsagent and to Vanessa, who cuts your hair.

The NSW hooker doesn’t care if you’re lacking faith.

He just wants you to know that despite the doubt, from 8pm, this NSW 17 are playing for themselves, their families, NSW coach Laurie Daley - and you.

“I don’t think anyone is giving us a chance, our own fans probably don’t even give us a chance and I love that,’’ Farah told The Daily Telegraph.

“As an athlete we go in with nothing to lose and everyone writing us off. It’s up to us. We’ve got 80-minutes to change everyone’s opinions.

“I could sit here and say whatever I want, but it doesn’t matter. We’ve got to go out there and win.

“It’s a tough place to go, but we’ve done it before.

Robbie Farah is determined to NSW something to cheer about.

“We represent the state. There’s over 7 million people in NSW and we represent them, ourselves and our family.

“But we also represent our coach, we’re a reflection of him. Now it’s up to us to repay the faith he’s shown in this group.

“Individually that’s something I strive for everyday, to repay the loyalty he’s shown. To a man, all 17 of us, we should be thinking that because he bleeds blue.

“I would love nothing more to go out there and get a win for him and this state of ours.’’

An emotional Farah has chosen to tell Blues fans how it really is.

No pussy-footing from the facts that on Wednesday, NSW face a battle that even the bookmakers believe is a one-sided affair. NSW have been installed as $2.50 outsiders with the TAB.

The last time Farah attended Suncorp Stadium with the NSW team he sat injured, unavailable for selection and ashen-faced inside Daley’s coaches box.

“It’s not going to be easy,’’ Farah said.

“There’s no point in hiding from the fact that you’re going to go up there and everything is going to be rosy.

“It’s a hell of an arena to play in and if you’re not prepared for it, it can get the better of you as happened about nine months ago up there.

“We’ve got to know what is coming and expect it, but be ready to stand up to the challenge.’’

When James Tamou returned to North Queensland following last year’s Origin III 52-6 loss to the Maroons, he requested annual leave - in July.

“Everywhere I went, I felt it stuck with me,’’ Tamou said.

“After a few weeks, I sat down with Dave Furner (Cowboys assistant coach) and I said ‘my head isn’t in it at the moment.’

Robbie Farah and James Maloney during the Captain’s Run at Suncorp. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“I took a few days off and hung with family in Canberra.’’

Prop David Klemmer is another who when he runs onto Suncorp Stadium, he will do so driven by a memory he so desperately wants to erase.

“That last game in Brisbane will stick with me for the rest of my life and my career,’’ Klemmer said.

“I still think about what happened there.

“To get this opportunity again to represent NSW ... I’ll try and make amends for that last game.

“Its always in the back of my mind, it’s just something that I’ve got to live with and it’s a big learning curve for myself.

“You don’t want to play for your state and dish that out, it was embarrassing. I want new memories.’’

Just like you.

Originally published as Blues playing for themselves, their families, Laurie Daley and the state, says Robbie Farah