Farah: We don’t fear them
Blues skipper says his side respects big Queensland threat Tomkins and Vatuvei back from injury
NSW skipper Robbie Farah has disagreed with his coach Laurie Daley, saying the Blues players don’t fear Queensland ahead of tonight’s State of Origin opener in Sydney.
But Farah admits the Blues are wary of a Maroons outfit that had their record eight straight series winning streak snapped last year.
Asked if he agreed with Daley’s statement on Monday that NSW fear Queensland, Farah said: “Not fear. We respect them, we know what they are capable of. “For us last year is gone now. “They are a champion side and will want to bounce back.”
However Farah believed NSW had a distinct advantage hosting Origin I at what he hoped would be a sell-out ANZ Stadium.
“Game one is such an important game,” he said. “To have it here, a place we love playing at, makes it very special for us and very difficult for Queensland. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be sold out and a very intimidating place.” Statistics back Farah’s view. In the 33 series since the three-game format’s introduction in 1982, the team that has won the first instalment has gone on to clinch the title 24 times.
NSW have won the first contest in 11 of their 13 series victories to date.
Farah claimed to be unaware of the problems that have plagued Queensland’s Origin camp which lost Daly Cherry-Evans (shoulder) to injury and sweated on the fitness of The Warriors are boosted by the return from injury of outside backs Sam Tomkins and Manu Vatuvei for Sunday’s NRL clash against the Newcastle Knights at Mt Smart Stadium.
Tomkins is set for just his third outing of the season after being sidelined with a knee injury since the 29-16 third-round win over Parramatta on March 21.
Vatuvei is poised to play his 204th NRL game after missing the 17-13 golden point victory over the Eels.
Tomkins’ return after a sevengame absence sees fill-in fullback Tui Lolohea shift to the centres, where he played two matches earlier this season, while 207-game veteran hooker Nathan Friend comes into the starting side following Thomas Leuluai’s season-ending knee injury.
Friend’s promotion gives back-up No 9 Siliva Havili a spot on the interchange bench for his first NRL game of the year, with Sebastine Ikahihifo called in for his second appearance after previously being used against Melbourne last month.
“Tui has been fantastic at the back but we also know he can do a good job for us at centre,” said Warriors assistant coach Tony Iro.
“Losing Tommy for the season is a massive setback but it gives both Friendy and Siliva an opportunity. While we know Friendy can play 80 minutes for us, Siliva gives us something a bit different.”
Friend’s inclusion means the Warriors will field a changed starting forward pack for the first time in 10 games.
Named to start again are Queensland front rower Jacob Lillyman and New South Wales second rower Ryan Hoffman, who will square off against each other in tomorrow night’s State of Origin series opener.
Lillyman edges closer to his 200-game career milestone with his 197th appearance on Sunday while second rower Bodene Thompson plays his 96th game and halfback Shaun Johnson his 94th.
Coming off their first bye, the Warriors lie seventh on the ladder with 12 points after five wins and five losses in their first 10 games, their best start to a season since 2012 (when they also had a 5-5 record after 10 rounds).
Newcastle, who toppled the Warriors 24-14 in their round one encounter, are in 12th spot. Greg Inglis (tonsillitis), Billy Slater (shoulder) and Justin Hodges (foot).
However he was glowing about NSW’s “perfect” preparation, saying the Blues were buzzing thanks to their new faces.
The enthusiasm of debutant forwards David Klemmer and Josh Jackson has rubbed off on teammates while Andrew Fifita and Mitchell Pearce have been embraced upon their return. “There is a lot of excitement,” he said. “Even guys like Fifita who is back in this arena after a year off and Mitch Pearce [who also missed 2014], they’ve been great and are just looking forward to it.
“We have had everyone training since day one which I think is important.
“We are confident. We have ticked all the boxes. That’s one thing, now we have to get the job done.”