‘Sirro’s Happy Hour’: Inside NSW Blues’ alcohol-free bonding sessions at the Whiskey Tavern

Every Thursday night in Blues camp, legendary NSW hard man Paul Sironen hosts a camp bonding session at Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern. But, as ‘Sirro’ reveals, the bonding sessions have changed a little since his playing days. WATCH THE VIDEO

It is called ‘Sirro’s Happy Hour’ – and it’s driving NSW’s camaraderie and connection ahead of State of Origin III.

This is how NSW bond, 2025 style.

You can forget about the old fashioned boozing nights disguised as bonding nights, this is all done with players eating lollies and drinking soft drinks.

Big Paul Sironen, who played 14 games for NSW between 1989 and 1994, has been given the unofficial task of being the Blues moral officer – and it’s working wonders.

NSW players have spoken about the unbreakable bond being built with ‘Sirro’s Happy Hour’ playing a key role.

Every Thursday night in camp, NSW players, coaching staff and officials gather for some bonding at the Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern, located on the ground floor of the Fairmont Resort, where the Blues are housed in camp.

Sirro’s Happy Hour includes players being split into four different groups and competing in trivia, music trivia, quizzes, joke telling, singing contests, karaoke, interviews, and discussing each players’ childhood, habits and quirks.

“Sirro’s Happy Hour has become a big part of camp,” said NSW hooker Connor Watson. “It’s about connecting with everyone. We have had trivia, interviews, a bit of music and it has also allowed us to learn more about the players and staff.

“It’s a good laugh but is also great for our camaraderie. It’s a crack-up but we’re also learning stuff we didn’t know – people’s life stories.

“That’s really important when you’re building proper connections by digging a little bit deeper, not just surface level stuff. It bonds us.”

The happy hour has allowed NSW players to not only learn about teammates but revel in Sironen’s unique humour.

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A 247-game Balmain Tigers legend, Sironen successfully implemented his happy hour into camp last year when NSW won the series 2-1. It has continued this series.

“It’s called Sirro’s Happy Hour. It runs between 5pm and 6pm every Thursday and it’s held in the whiskey bar downstairs,” said Sironen, part of the NSW logistics team with Paul ‘Sticks’ Tape, a Blues and Tigers stalwart official.

“It’s a lighthearted hour. It’s become part of camp and is another layer of connection. We do trivia, music trivia, interview players about when and where they grew up.

“We dig down and find some personal things about our staff and players, their quirky habits and anecdotes. We might have a singing contest.

Inside the Blues’ bonding session, 2025 style.

“Last camp, players had to guess songs. Other players had headphones on with music being played and they had to try and sing the song while the rest of the team had to guess what song it was. It was quite entertaining – there are some very ordinary singers in the team.

“I do a little bit of research to find out some bits and pieces. It’s good fun. It adds to the camp. I love it. We did last year as well and we’re finetuning it. It’s a good idea. We bring out some lollies and they have soft drinks.”

NSW prop Max King also spoke about the importance of Sironen’s initiative.

The Daily Telegraph 3.7.2025 Paul Sironen. Westpac NSW Blues training, Sate of Origin team at Blue Mountains Grammar School, Wentworth Falls. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“Last time we did karaoke and trivia,” said NSW prop Max King. “We also went around in groups of four and we had to tell our best joke. It’s bonding.

“I haven’t had a whole to do with ‘Sirro’ but he leads it really well and is a great fella. It’s a bit of fun.”

Sironen added: “It’s been 30 years since I last played Origin so it’s great to still be involved, particularly at this level.”

Sironen and Tape have become mainstays of NSW camps.

Originally published as ‘Sirro’s Happy Hour’: Inside NSW Blues’ alcohol-free bonding sessions at the Whiskey Tavern