NSW Blues set to switch State of Origin training camps from Coffs Harbour to Queensland border

LOOKING for a change of scenery, the new-look Blues are set to move their State of Origin training base just a stone’s throw from enemy territory.

Laurie Daley and his team have spent nine Origin camps in Coffs Harbour. Picture: Gregg Porteous

THE Blues are set to move their State of Origin training base just a stone’s throw from enemy territory next year.

Camp Lozza is expected to move to the NSW north coast town of Kingscliff, which is less than 15km from the Queensland border.

The Daily Telegraph understands Kingscliff is favourite to host the Blues for 10-day camps before both games in Brisbane on May 31 and July 12.

The new venue would be ideal for a team looking for a fresh start in 2017.

Kiama, Blue Mountains and Ballina have also been touted as possible camp venues.

But Kingscliff’s location — a 20-minute drive to the border — is attractive for coach Laurie Daley.

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The Blues will move their Origin camp from Coffs Harbour. Picture: Gregg Porteous

It would mean NSW could catch a bus straight into Brisbane before each game rather than enduring time-consuming flights.

NSW would remain in Sydney to prepare for State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium on June 21.

Former NSW coach Craig Bellamy took the Blues to Kingscliff for a brief training camp in 2010.

No details have been confirmed but NSW could train at nearby Cudgen and use the local high performance surf centre.

Coffs Harbour has been friendly to the Blues, especially during the successful 2014 series win, but officials feel it’s time to leave the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort.

The Blues hope to announce the successful town before the end of next week.

NSWRL officials have toured a number of camp options around the state over the past two months.

Bellamy at camp in Kingscliff in 2010.

Kiama was certainly attractive but officials feel the north coast would be preferable. It is also known Blues officials have visited the Blue Mountains.

Kingscliff hasn’t officially been chosen but the deal is expected to be nailed down. There are several resort style hotels in Kingscliff that could be used by the Blues and their support staff.

The accommodation and training fields aren’t locked into the same resort — as in Coffs Harbour — but all facilities are within a close proximity.

There was a theory players were becoming a “little too comfortable” at Coffs Harbour where the Blues had stayed nine times since 2014.

Queensland will still start $1.60 favourites for game one next season with NSW the $2.40 outsiders, according to the TAB. The Maroons are also $1.60 to secure the series, the Blues paying $2.40.

“The Maroons are rightly installed favourites to win game one and also the series given they have two games at Suncorp Stadium,” said the TAB’s Matt Jenkins. “Game one is traditionally tight and I wouldn’t expect anything different in 2017. The Blues did win the series opener at Suncorp in 2014 and the early money suggests punters think they can repeat that effort.”

Tickets for Origin II in Sydney went on sale this week.

Originally published as NSW Blues set to switch State of Origin training camps from Coffs Harbour to Queensland border