State of Origin 2023: Ricky Stuart’s warning for NSW Blues rookie Hudson Young

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart reveals the last minute advice to NSW debutant Hudson Young, while one of the Blues’ original ‘bash brothers’ has praised his selection.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has warned Hudson Young not to go down in Origin folklore for the wrong reasons. Picture: Getty Images.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has revealed he has phoned Blues debutant Hudson Young to warn him against going down in Origin folklore for an act of thuggery or grubbiness.

Stuart’s advice has emerged as original NSW Origin bash brother Greg Bird endorsed Young as the “perfect” selection for NSW.

Young’s physical playing style for Canberra was a major lure for NSW coach Brad Fittler to select the edge or middle forward on the bench for game one on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old from Maitland has proven he isn’t afraid to assert his dominance on the field with a reputation of refusing to take a backward step against his opposition.

However, Stuart said he wanted Young to resist falling victim to a public perception that he has been chosen by Fittler in response to NSW being manhandled by the Maroons pack in Origin III last year.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has warned Hudson Young not to go down in Origin folklore for the wrong reasons. Picture: Getty Images.

Young and fellow NSW forwards Tevita Pangai Jr and Payne Haas have already been dubbed the Blues new bash brothers.

“I did call Hudson,” Stuart said.

“Not that he doesn’t know it, but I just thought he should remind himself of why he’s been chosen for NSW.

“He hasn’t been chosen because he plays grubby football or is a thug, he’s been selected because he’s an elite-level player who can play the game both with a toughness, but also a genuine touch of class with the ball in his hands.

“He doesn’t need to be getting sucked into what is just hype for an Origin game.

“He’s a quality footballer Hudson and I’ve got know doubt he’ll do his family and his state proud on Wednesday night.’’

Stuart reminded Hudson that he was picked for his toughness, not for being a thug. Picture: Getty Images.

Stuart’s belief in Young has been backed by his boyhood hero, Bird.

Young grew-up idolising Bird, who played in 18 Origins for NSW and alongside former captain Paul Gallen earned the ‘bash brothers“ nickname with their no-holds-barred attitude towards beating the Maroons.

Bird smiled when told Young idolised him before rubberstamping the Raiders hardman’s Origin call-up.

One of the Blues’ original bash brothers, Greg Bird, has praised the selection of Young. Picture: Getty Images.

“I think he’s a perfect selection,’’ Bird said.

“I’m a Raiders fan and they play a brand of football that I like to watch.

“They’re physical, they’re tough, they’re young and aggressive.

“They’re throwbacks to a time where the game was physical.

“The rules are making it harder for those style of players to strive and be successful, but if you can play within the rules in that style, I think he can be a definite force.

“Ricky helped me develop more to my game than just running over blokes and trying to bash blokes.

“Sticky’ (Stuart) has probably helped him (Young) with that, in the way he plays because he has got aggression, but he’s also got some finesse on the edge, he’s got good hands and his passing game isn’t bad.

“I’m excited to see how he goes.’’

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: Ricky Stuart’s warning for NSW Blues rookie Hudson Young