State of Origin 2024: NSW squad members arrive at Blues HQ | see the exclusive pictures

With his golf clubs in toe and cheered on by fans, newly-minted NSW Blues captain Jake Trbojevic revealed how he’ll approach the foreign role. See the exclusive pictures and WATCH THE VIDEOS.

Jarome Luai. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Manly veteran Jake Trbojevic has revealed his shock at being named NSW captain after incumbent James Tedesco was axed from the Blues side.

Trbojevic arrived at the team hotel on Monday afternoon to a rapturous round of applause from adoring Blues fans waiting to get a glimpse of their footballing heroes.

With his golf clubs in toe, Trbojevic, speaking for the first time since being handed the captaincy revealed his shock at receiving the honour by coach Michael Maguire.

“I was very shocked, but I’m also very proud,” Trbojevic said.

“I’ll play the way I always do, I’ll be passionate, and that side will come out in me.

“Obviously I don’t captain at club level, but one of my strengths is being passionate. I won’t change anything. And that’s what Madge (Maguire) told me to do.”

SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE BLUES REACTION FROM NSW HQ

“I was surprised if I’m being honest, but it’s a great honour, and any time you get to play for your state is special.”

NSW coach Michael Maguire compared Trbojevic’s passion for NSW to the state’s first Origin-winning captain, Steve Mortimer.

“He probably wasn’t sure where he sat from a team point of view, but every time you see Jake wear the Blue jersey everybody knows about that passion, why everyone loves playing with him,” Maguire said.

“I go back through history to someone like Turvey. When you’re in this space, the passion those people bring, Jake representsa lot of that. People rally behind people and that’s a big part of leadership at this level.”

Hours before any players lobbed at the team hotel, the squad’s fresh suits arrived, and some eyebrow raising names were spotted on the tags.

As well as the 20-man squad announced on Sunday night, suits for South Sydney five eighth Cody Walker, teammate Campbell Graham and injured Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic were also delivered to the team hotel.

Suits arrive at The Pullman Hotel in Homebush. Picture: Rohan Kelly

TEDDY’S CLASS ACT

New NSW fullback Dylan Edwards has revealed James Tedesco’s classy act after coach Michael Maguire sensationally axed the incumbent Blues captain and long serving no.1.

Edwards was one of the last players to arrive at the team hotel for his first ever State of Origin camp.

The Penrith custodian revealed that Tedesco was one of the first people to text him after his selection was announced on Sunday night.

“Yeah, he sent me a message. He was one of the first blokes to send me a message, which was all class,” Edwards said. “Obviously, I have the utmost respect for him.

“He just said congratulations, enjoy the week. Origin footy is the best.”

Tedesco, who had played 22 straight games for NSW, was a shock omission from the game one squad.

The two fullbacks had been in a duel for the no.1 Blues jumper before Maguire opted for Edwards.

Edwards said playing in four-straight grand finals, and winning three-straight titles, would hold him in good stead next Wednesday night at Accor Stadium.

“We’ve played quite a few big games in club land and that puts you in good stead for this arena, I’m sure,” Edwards said.

“I wasn’t sure (whether I had done enough). I was just trying to play well for club land and what happens after that...

“I’m very lucky, I’m grateful for the opportunity, it feels good.

LUAI: ‘I EARNED MY SPOT’

Largely the forgotten man in NSW Blues halves discussions, Penrith’s Jarome Luai has declared he deserved his Origin re-call.

A purple patch of for the Panthers with the no.7 jersey on his back helped cement Luai’s selection on Sunday night.

Luai was unceremoniously dropped for game three of last year’s series by former coach Brad Fittler.

“Yep,” Luai said when asked if he feels like he is playing with confidence.

“I think that’s why I’m ready to rock and bring that into camp, and to game day as well.

“It’s not really a goal for me to do that, it’s just to put my best foot forward for my boys, my brothers and get the win each week, which is what I want to do here as well.

“I think I have earned my spot here in a way as well. I know I have to play good to keep that spot. That’s up to the selectors but I think in a way we have control of that with the way we perform so I’m hoping to have a good performance next week.

Luai told the waiting media pack he is ready to form a lethal halves combination with Nicho Hynes, who was cleared of a calf injury.

“I’m excited by it, new combination. Obviously been a big fan of his work. I can’t wait to get into camp with him. Hugely stoked. Definitely deserves his spot. It probably wasn’t an easy decision to make but he deserves to be here.

WATCH: ROOKIE LOVE GAL V MYLES

Mitch Barnett was the first NSW Blues player to arrive at the team hotel on Monday morning and the Warriors enforcer had one of Origin’s most infamous moments on his mind.

When asked what his favourite Origin moment was, Barnett, without hesitation went to the famous stink between Blues enforcer Paul Gallen and Maroons hardman Nate Myles.

The two big men went toe to toe, trading blows in an iconic Origin moment during the first game of the 2013 Origin series.

“There’s a few, the Paul Gallen one... the left, right good night,” Barnett said.

It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours for Barnett, who was informed of his Blues selection in the Warriors dressing room, sending his teammates into raptures.

“It was cool, the boys got around me. I have some great teammates and some great friends there,” Barnet said.

“Yeah, straight after the game I got a call. After the win there he gave me a call and went from there.”

Barnett was named as 20th man but clearly his hard edge will be an asset for Maguire during game one preparations.

“It’s a good feeling, I’m excited to get into camp,” Barnett said.

“I’m just going to bring a good attitude and do whatever I can to help the boys get ready. Once I get in and meet the boys, I’ll know more.

“It’s an awesome feeling, I’ve waited a long time for this. I’m going to be a sponge and soak it all up.

“For me off the back of my teammates, just working hard and valuing the little things in the tough areas of the game and getting rewarded for it.

The moment!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/QvgFA3eIhG

— One NZ Warriors (@NZWarriors) May 26, 2024

PANTHERS STAR FIT AND FIRING

The first of Penrith’s quintet arrived just after midday with backrower Liam Martin declaring his fitness for game one.

Martin and re-called five-eighth Jarome Luai carpooled together to Olympic Park.

Martin was sent for scans after only playing 40 minutes in Penrith’s emphatic win over Cronulla on Saturday night.

Scans cleared Martin of any serious injury but the forward allayed any residual fears himself as he arrived at the team hotel.

“It feels sweet, it’s good to go. It was a little bit of a relief... but very relieved with the prognosis, so good to go,” Martin said.

Originally published as State of Origin 2024: NSW squad members arrive at Blues HQ | see the exclusive pictures