There’s only one sleep to go until rugby league’s biggest show comes to Brisbane.

Both teams held final training sessions at Lang Park today ahead of the opening game of the State of Origin series.

Kieran Marsh reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Blues’ side looked full of confidence as they hit the sacred turf this morning.

While much has been made of the new look inexperienced New South Wales line up, it seems all has gone to plan since they went into camp.

Paul Gallen, NSW Blues’ Captain: “We probably couldn’t be any better prepared, while it’s not everything it’s a good start for us and come tomorrow night we’ll be ready to play.”

The five Blues’ debutants are set for a baptism of fire but the New South Wales captain is confident they’ll stand up to the challenge.

Fullback Josh Dugan is expected to run into some special attention but Gallen says Queensland will do that at its own peril.

Paul Gallen, NSW Blues’ Captain: “He’s got the ability that a lot of players in the game don’t have; he can break tackles, he’s strong, he’s fast, he can score from anywhere on the field. He’s going to be a big plus for us tomorrow night all he has to do is get out there and do his job.”

The last time New South Wales won a series, Ricky Stuart was at the helm.

The coach is back and says his message is simple be the best you can be.

Ricky Stuart, NSW Blues’ coach: “I haven’t changed from day one, all I want to do is get every individual up to play their best game of footy.”

Queensland trained late this afternoon and the coach was quick to play down the Blues’ inexperience saying there are no underdogs in origin football.

Mal Meninga, Qld Maroons’ coach: “Not in my experience, I’ve been there since day one, I’ve been there since day dot and every game is a hard game, every game is a battle.”

The series kicks off right here in a little over 24 hours with game one shaping as the crucial clash.

No side has overcome a first game loss to go on and win the series since 2008.

Kieran Marsh, QUT News.