Blues allay Pearce concerns

Updated May 23, 2011 15:09:00

New South Wales says there are no concerns over half-back Mitchell Pearce after he suffered a minor hamstring strain ahead of Wednesday night's opening State of Origin match.

Pearce felt a twinge during Sunday's long training session but is a certainty for game one against Queensland at Lang Park.

"Mitch is jumping out of his skin for Origin so, no, it's not a concern," centre Mark Gasnier said.

The Blues arrived in Brisbane on Sunday night and were taking advantage of a day off on their first full day in the Queensland capital.

Several, including Greg Bird, Michael Ennis, Jason King and Tim Mannah, attended a press conference held in the team hotel by boxer Danny Green and his American challenger Antonio Tarver, Blues skipper Paul Gallen presenting Green with a Blues jersey.

Gasnier said playing Origin I at its spiritual home, the old Lang Park, would help the inexperienced Blues rise to the occasion.

"It's an atmosphere that, while you may look upon it as daunting, it's quite motivating," he said.

"I think it's good for (the five Blues players on debut) to have their first Origin at Suncorp.

"It's going to make them really appreciate (game two in) Sydney, first and foremost.

"All the hype leading up to the week of people telling them what Origin's about, I think it will just confirm that for them.

"I think it's beneficial."

The Blues will have their final training run at Lang Park on Tuesday.

-AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, qld, brisbane-4000

First posted May 23, 2011 13:44:00

View the original article here