NSW Blues hero of 2014 Trent Hodkinson backs Mitchell Pearce to create State of Origin history

ON the same patch of grass where he led NSW to victory in 2014, Trent Hodkinson’s message for Mitchell Pearce is simple: “Create your own history.”

Trent Hodkinson believes Mitchell Pearce has the chance to create a Blues dynasty with the young stars around him. Picture: Gregg Porteous

HE is the last Blues halfback to lift the State of Origin shield.

The first No. 7 since Andrew Johns in 2005 to guide NSW to a series victory and the Blues’ only pointscorer on that magical night at ANZ Stadium on June 18, 2014.

It was the night Trent Hodkinson entered NSW Origin folklore.

This Wednesday night on the same patch of grass, Hodkinson’s message for close mate Mitchell Pearce is simple: ‘’Go and create your own piece of history.

“He’s got a great opportunity in front of him.

“Without a doubt it’s about creating his own history, the past is the past. All he can control is what’s moving forward now.’’

Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce were the NSW halves in 2015 and Hodkinson says he knows Pearce has was it takes to get NSW the win in 2017. Picture: Gregg Porteous

And if Pearce steers the Blues to victory over Queensland, Hodkinson believes this NSW team can do what the series-winning “Class of 2014” were never able to do — form a dynasty.

Just three NSW players — Aaron Woods, Jarryd Hayne and Josh Dugan — remain from the series-winning side of 2014.

“Because they’re (current Blues) so young — the opportunity for them to build together for a long period of time and dominate, it’s very real,’’ Hodkinson said.

“If they can get the win together now, they can do it for plenty more years to come.’’

Hodkinson remembers crying when NSW coach Laurie Daley phoned him to inform him of his selection at halfback alongside former Canterbury teammate Josh Reynolds for game one in 2014.

Mitchell Pearce was impressive in NSW’s emphatic win over Queensland in game one at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello

“I was holding back the tears — especially when I told Mum and Dad,’’ said Hodkinson, who is committed to fighting his way out of Newcastle’s NSW Cup side.

“Thinking that I may never get to even put on the Blues jersey or just to get one game, but to go through and win the series in my first year was crazy.

“Then you get told afterwards that you’re the first halfback in so many years to win a series for NSW.

“You’re just kicking yourself afterwards thinking is this a dream? The next day is like — what has just happened? It’s very surreal.’’

And that’s what Pearce has to look forward to, according to Hodkinson.

They have remained tight since combining in the halves for NSW in all three matches of the 2015 series — which they lost to the Maroons 2-1.

The teams to run out for game two on Wednesday night.

The final Origin of 2015 was Hodkinson’s last appearance in the sky-blue.

Pearce texted Hodkinson after the emphatic victory over Queensland in Origin I three weeks ago, aware the one person who could appreciate the magnitude of this opportunity, was the Knights playmaker.

“I congratulated him on the game, I thought he was outstanding,’’ Hodkinson said.

“Having been there, you still feel a part of it. Although there’s only three guys from that year (2014) playing now, you definitely know what they’re going through.

“You’ve been in their shoes. I watch it on TV and see the crowd and get those goosebumps again.

“What would be going through Pearcey’s head would be a lot of excitement. He’s got the experienced Jimmy (Maloney) by his side to keep him calm.

Blues coach Laurie Daley believes NSW have what it takes to claim the shield in 2017. Picture: Mark Evans

“The advice for Pearcey would be just to focus on his game and what he can do to the best for the team. That’s all I did, I focused and I was lucky that I had enough good teammates to take my mind off the pressure.

“For me it was turning everything off and not thinking about the game, but just day by day going through the process to prepare yourself the best for that day.

“On the flip side, there was a very exciting opportunity. Me and Josh Reynolds roomed together and we just said ‘we can make history here’.”

They did just that.

On Wednesday night, it’s the Class of 2017’s moment to do the same.

NSW CLASS OF 2014: WHERE ARE THEY NOW

1. Jarryd Hayne — Ran towards Blatchy’s Blues at full-time and kept going to chase his NFL dream. Back in Blue this year in Origin I.

2. Will Hopoate — Missed G3, 2014 before selected for all three games in 2015. Hasn’t been chosen since.

3. Michael Jennings — Played the entire ‘15 and ‘16 series, scoring matchwinning try in G3. Overlooked this year.

4. Josh Dugan — Called into G2 of 2014 to win the series and has remained a part of the Blues ever since.

5. Daniel Tupou — Was given just two more Origins after ‘14 — G3 and G1 of 2015. Hasn’t been chosen since.

6. Josh Reynolds — The first five-eighth since Braith Anasta in ‘05 to win a series, but hasn’t been selected since G3 2014.

7. Trent Hodkinson — Scored the series-winning try in ‘14 and was recalled for all 3 games in ‘15. Currently fighting for future in NSW Cup.

8. Paul Gallen (c) — Led the Blues to their first series win in eight years. Called full-time on his rep career in G3 last year.

The NSW Blues team of 2014 celebrate their drought-breaking series win.

9. Robbie Farah — Overlooked for Nathan Peats this year after playing in all 3 Origins in ‘16.

10. Aaron Woods — The starting prop in ‘14 and has played every game for the Blues ever since.

11. Beau Scott — A dominant force in ‘14, played all 3 games in ‘15. Hasn’t been chosen since.

12. Ryan Hoffman — Like Scott, a mainstay of the Blues until his last game in G3 ‘15.

13. Greg Bird — Missed entire ‘15 series due to suspension and was overlooked for G3 last year. Currently playing for Catalans.

Interchange Bench:

14: James Tamou — A casualty of last year’s failed series where he was chosen on the bench in G3. Overlooked this year.

15. Anthony Watmough — Played 14 Origins but never played again after making history with the Blues in G2 ‘14. Was replaced by Boyd Cordner for G3 in ‘14.

16. Trent Merrin — Once labelled the next NSW captain by Phil Gould, Merrin’s last Origin was G3 in ‘15.

17. Luke Lewis — Played 17 Origins for NSW, with his final appearance in G3 ‘14.