Ricky Stuart can be proud of his two year stint with the NSW Blues regardless of the outcome of Origin III

THE first two years of any business are make-or-break. So let's look at the NSW State of Origin set-up two years since Ricky Stuart took the rein. 

Anthony Watmough

IT'S a stark economic fact: the first two years of any business are make-or-break. So let's look at the NSW State of Origin set-up, given almost two years have passed since an independent review ordered a new dawn under coach Ricky Stuart.

The new business plan has delivered positive results that should ensure long-term success.

Goodwill has been re-established with fans, former greats and the media.

Consistent operating procedures now dictate team camps, with time for bonding and hard work well defined.

And regardless of the result next Wednesday, Stuart has done the hard work of creating a cultural blueprint for how the team should prepare.

One would imagine the job will be much easier in coming years.

Which brings us to the question of whether Stuart might continue to coach NSW in tandem with a club side.

We put the question to NSWRL boss Geoff Carr yesterday, who maintained his board's policy was still set on hiring a stand-alone coach. That was the top recommendation of the NSWRL's 2010 review recommended as much.

"I've seen how much energy Sticky puts into this job. Doing both might kill him," Carr added.

Carr also acknowledged Stuart's familiarity with procedures.

"The board's policy is to have a stand alone coach, but that's not to say it won't be reviewed at the end of this year," Carr said.

"We haven't got to the point where Sticky has been offered an NRL job yet, although we accept that could well happen."

We are certain it will happen - from either Canberra, Parramatta or the Roosters. They'll offer far bigger bucks than Stuart currently earns, but money is not his motivation.

For example, Stuart has raised $60,000 by inviting a group of rich businessmen into camp for the past two years. Every cent has been spent on flying the players' families to games and accommodating them interstate.

Then there was this phone call we received from a parent of a boy who attends Shore private school.

"Ricky Stuart and Paul Gallen came and gave the rugby teams a motivational talk two days before Origin II," the parent said.

"The kids were really surprised, but the biggest thing was they didn't ask for a dime."

* * *

Ben Barba

CLUBS in two minds about emulating Canterbury's Mackay experiment might be interested to know how much cash was generated last Sunday.

With limited corporate facilities at the 10,000-capacity Virgin Australia Stadium, temporary "suites" were erected from primitive scaffolding around three sides of the venue.

They each accommodated 15 people, but only six plastic chairs and an esky of grog was provided.

And for that privilege, the locals paid $4000 per box. All were sold out.

The Bulldogs also made a motza from special edition Ben Barba t-shirts that were printed for the Mackay trip.

* * *

HUNGRY Dragons will next year look up to see a familiar face refuelling them after Kogarah home games.

Former back-rower Lance Thompson is about to open his latest eatery - Thommo's Bar & Grill - at the rear of WIN Jubilee Stadium.

The flame-haired firebrand has spent the bulk of his post-footy career in the kitchen, starting with a bistro at Carss Park. He then managed pub grub in Surry Hills, before trying his hand at Buraneer Yacht Club - which was a favourite haunt of Ricky Stuart and the Cronulla Sharks.

* * *

THERE'S certainly no limit to the ego belonging to Clive Palmer. The flamboyant mining magnate has just bought the five-star Sunshine Coast resort that accommodates Maroons players ahead of Origin games.

We dropped into one of the impressive bungalows this week and flicked on a TV to see the Australian Story episode featuring Palmer playing on loop 24-7.

* * *

THIS week's freakish cold and wet snap in Queensland played havoc with Canterbury's plans to break up their training routine.

The team stopped off on the Sunshine Coast for three-day camp on their way home from Mackay, where they defeated Melbourne last Sunday.

Coach Des Hasler wanted to train his players in the warmer weather - and on sand - to shake them up ahead of this weekend's bye. But the miserable weather restricted them to a session on Stockland Oval in Kawana Waters.

We also hear that in-form Bulldog Dene Halatau will soon be re-signed.

* * *

Anthony Watmough

A CELEBRITY poker tournament was excuse enough for several Blues to partake in some premature bonding last week.

Arguably the NRL's coolest hand when it comes to cards, Anthony Watmough, was joined by NSW teammates Todd Carney, Brett Stewart and Mitchell Pearce for the event at The Star.

About 200 players were involved and we regret to report the leaguies didn't make an impression on the final rounds, with Watmough the last of the players to be eliminated.

But there was a consolation. All the boys received $1000 gift vouchers for the casino to fine-tune their poker faces ahead of their next appearance.

* * *

THE Blues' bonding session was held on Tuesday - a milder version than the previous two this series.

Nevertheless, it was an admirable effort from skipper Paul Gallen to back up for a solo sparring session the next morning. We hardly need to mention Gallen pushed himself through six rounds voluntarily - and on the team's day off.

* * *

TODD Carney will be spending more time at home in the Sutherland Shire once his Origin commitments end next week. And judging from some cheeky tips from Blues players, he'll be spending a decent proportion of it with new flame Lauryn Eagle. The high-profile pair have not publicly acknowledged their growing friendship, but their friends tell us she's been baby-sitting Carney's new puppy. Eagle's soaring career in TV could be the perfect complement for Carney, who will one day make a decent talent on the box.

* * *

PENRITH have snapped-up former Rabbitohs speedster Kane Morgan, who played a single NRL match before being released from Redfern at the end of last year.

* * *

INTRODUCING "Rocking" Ron Gauci. That's the nickname Storm players have given their boss, who moonlights as bass guitarist with a cover band known as Big Kahuna. The ensemble is made-up of CEOs from across Melbourne and is beginning to gain a cult following among Storm fans.

"I first started playing the guitar when I was 12 and joined a band when I was 13," Gauci revealed. "But after a couple of decades I've realised my limitations."

Gauci might be modest, but the band's repertoire is extensive. Big Kahuna covers everything from Van Morrison to Matchbox 20, performing at corporate and charity gigs. "And we have just done a deal with the Half Moon Hotel in Brighton to do a gig on the last Friday of each month," Gauci added.

* * *

Five to the fore

5 LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

The Dragons have named three ex-Raiders - Daniel Vidot, Josh Miller and Bronx Goodwin - to help break their extraordinary 12-year ACT hoodoo.

4 STICKY'S PHONE

Runs so hot it apparently needs to be in close proximity to a charger at all times. Will be in even greater demand from several club bosses from next week onwards.

3 LUKE KELLY

Showed remarkable assertiveness in his debut for Parramatta, barking orders at his new teammates just a fortnight after arriving at the club from Melbourne.

2 GOLDEN POINT

Urgently needs to reviewed after last weekend's debacle in Penrith, where whistleblowers refused to make any calls out of fear of deciding the match.

1 JOHNATHAN THURSTON

Will equal Gary Larson's record of 24 straight Origin appearances in next Wednesday's decider in Brisbane. An incredible feat of endurance.