Blues captain Paul Gallen issues a State of Origin challenge to NSW fans

AS PLAYERS, we've been waiting almost 12 months for this day to arrive. Now we need every NSW Blues fan, like never before.

WE'RE ready. Are you?

As players, we've been waiting almost 12 months for this day to arrive. Now we need every NSW Blues fan, like never before.

From the opening whistle, you have to come with us.

Ride every play, get into battle with us and make every tackle with us. Let Queensland know this is our turf. This is NSW.

I can guarantee that in return for your support, this NSW team will deliver a performance of which you can proud.

I speak with experience when I say this is the most relaxed Origin camp I've been involved with.

This group have come together brilliantly.

We've kept our cool and enjoyed each other's company, but when we've hit the training paddock, it's been full-on.

We haven't missed a beat. As I said, by 8pm tonight, we'll be ready.

I'm not one for Churchillian speeches. I might have a quiet word to a couple of the debutants.

But truth be told, I said everything I wanted to say at our final training session yesterday.

I gathered the boys together after a terrific last training run at ANZ Stadium and I told them all to keep their heads focused on the match.

Do everything you do before any big game. Don't change your individual preparation.

Have a sleep, if that's what you do. Play PlayStation if that's what you do. Get a massage, if that's what you do.

Don't change a thing.

I also said, let's not play the game before we run out there. Have faith in each other and trust that we've left nothing unturned in regards to our preparation.

This camp hasn't been about Queensland.

We know what they can do. We know they'll be confident.

But this camp has been about us. About getting ourselves ready for the fastest game of our lives.

And that's no exaggeration. It literally is the quickest level of rugby league you can play.

Passes are faster. Play-the-balls are cleaner. Tackles are harder. You look at the clock and 25 minutes have gone before you can think.

I believe our debutants are going to be sensational. We've chosen players like Blake Ferguson, Andrew Fifita and James Maloney, who are in outstanding form.

I know I won't be playing 80 minutes, Laurie Daley has told me.

But I do want the first hit-up of the match.

I love getting that early touch.

I hope every Blues fan will run with me on that first touch too.

I can't wait. Can you?