On the eve of the first State of Origin, Queensland finished their preparations with a late training session this afternoon. While New South Wales did their last hit-out this morning. The rival teams won’t meet until tomorrow night, but the shots are already being fired.

Zarisha Bradley reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Paul Gallen led the Blues Captain’s Run at ANZ this morning.

And the surprise guest? None other than former Queensland coach Mal Meninga.

But Gallen says the general hatred between the teams will erupt tomorrow night.

As to whether Cooper Cronk’s ankle injury will rule him out, Gallen believes it’s all part of the politicking from the Maroon’s side.

Paul Gallen, NSW: “Cooper’s not one to play mind games so I think they’ll probably use him as a bit of a pawn there in the mind games they get up to.”

But the Maroons joke sleep deprivation is a bigger worry than the ankle.

And captain Cameron Smith says he is “fairly optimistic” Cronk will play.

Queensland had a last minute training session this afternoon.

They’ll be after a win for their captain.

Smith will break the record tomorrow night for the most games in Origin history, making it his 37th game.

Zarisha Bradley, QUT News.