Queensland great Darren Lockyer has spent the morning with the young Maroons, who will tonight attempt to break NSW’s dominance in the annual Under 20s representative fixture.
After a light walk and stretch this morning, the Queensland team returned to their Park Royal hotel where they listened intently to the former Maroons fullback and five-eighth.
Lockyer was introduced to the group by coach Kevin Walters, who also wore the No. 6 jersey for Queensland.
Every player had their eyes firmly fixed on the man standing in front of them.
Lockyer spoke about his passion for the Maroon jumper and offered some timely words of advice.
“If you find yourself getting nervous, what I found as a way to calm those nerves was start to think about your role, not the outcome,” the former Bronco said.
He urged the players to “enjoy the challenge”.
“This is very much like the State of Origin games,” he later told QRL.com.au
“It’s not necessarily won on talent, it’s won on desire. Conditions at the moment look like it’s going to be a bit wet, a bit cold, so it’s not going to be a pleasant night in that regard.
“It’s all about your commitment to one another and doing your job, and going over and above your job …. that’s probably the key to these sort of games.”
NSW hold the balance of power in the Origin Under 20s arena so far, having won the first two matches since the concept began in 2012.
But Queensland will enter tonight’s match at Penrith in high spirits after an excellent preparation in Sydney.
QRL.com.au will bring you all the highlights, match report, photo gallery and post-game interviews.
