NSW Blues combinations coming together ahead of State of Origin opener, writes Robbie Farah

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: ROBBIE Farah says he's ready to go the full distance in Origin I despite the selection of Josh Reynolds.

I want to play the full 80

WE'VE come into NSW camp and picked up right where we left off from Origin last year.

We're a lot more fluent in training and that's down to having the core group of players from last year.

We've formed combinations over the past 12 to 18 months and we are all feeling comfortable with each other.

Jimmy Maloney's slotted straight into that at five-eighth.

Jimmy's a funny character, pretty laidback and with a great sense of humour.

We hope his combination with Mitchell Pearce can transfer into Origin footy, and we can't complain with the way they're going at training.

Mitch has taken confidence out of his outstanding form for the Roosters and he's brought that into camp by really taking ownership of the team.

His talk has been great. He's leading us around, as he will need to next Wednesday.

I'm really confident he can do that. I'm excited about the series he can have.

The same goes for Jarryd Hayne after we unfortunately lost Brett Stewart.

Jarryd is a big-game player and every time he's pulled on that jumper for NSW, he's produced the goods.

Him being at the back will benefit us, as he's going to get his hands on the ball more.

Jarryd's a player who you want to touch the ball as many times as he can because he's so dangerous.

His form at No.1 has been great for the Eels and he's improved on those little things in his game that probably weren't there in the past.

That's what you need in Origin and I know he's looking forward to the challenge.

Personally, I want to play 80 minutes, provided everything goes to plan.

I'm confident I can do that. But if things change in the game, we've got that security blanket with Josh Reynolds on the bench, where he can provide a bit of spark.

I was really happy for Josh to get his first NSW jersey, yet disappointed for John Sutton.

Both are in great form and Josh will offer that utility value in covering the key positions.

I'm feeling much better for my experience last season and now see myself as a leader in this group.

It was a great honour to be given the vice-captaincy.

I want to make sure I lead by example.

I'm really enjoying the leadership role and think it will bring the best out of me.

Paul Gallen was back to full training yesterday and he'll be ready to play.

He's an inspirational leader who sets a standard for all the boys to follow.