Blocker rookie warning

FORMER NSW prop Steve Roach has warned that Queensland’s three debutant forwards will be “gassed” after 15 minutes of the State of Origin blockbuster.

Maroons forwards Tim Glasby, Coen Hess and Jarrod Wallace will make their debuts and be “on their haunches” early, according to Roach, a 17game Origin legend.

Roach stressed no player can prepare for the ferocity and speed of the contest.

“You don’t understand until you’ve been out there,” he said.

“Even back when I played, it was five times quicker than an NRL game. Now, it’s even quicker.

“Even if their first-timers have good engines, to have that nervous energy all day and then go out to play, after 15 minutes they’ll be ‘gassed’.”