NSW captain Isaah Yeo has confirmed that the Blues will not follow their traditional pre-game routine by walking through the tunnel at Accor Stadium for the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night. Yeo shared this decision amid reports suggesting the team would alter its approach for the third game following disappointing performances in previous encounters.
Instead of the customary lengthy entrance from the NSWRL Centre of Excellence, the team plans to keep it simple by walking a shorter distance directly to the field, aiming to minimise distractions and maintain focus. Yeo explained that the emotional weight of an Origin decider, along with their struggles in the first half of game two, influenced this decision. Last year’s experience, where they lost game one despite the tunnel walk, also played a role in reconsidering this ritual.
In Yeo’s view, the simpler pre-match preparation looks to mentally equip the players better for the match. “It brings back a bit more normality,” he said, highlighting the importance of typical warm-up routines familiar for big games that take place at Accor.
This tunnel ritual, inspired by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, has seen the Blues utilise it in previous deciders at Accor since 2019, featuring a hallway showcasing past NSW players and coaches. However, the team will now travel straight from their hotel to the stadium, warm up in the sheds, and take the standard western tunnel to the field.
While injuries have been a concern, coach Laurie Daley remains optimistic that the side will field its intended 1-17 lineup come game time. Key players like Brian To’o and Payne Haas have experienced fitness issues but have managed to participate in training without significant setbacks. Jacob Kiraz has been named as the 18th man, ready to step in if needed.
The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 8:05 PM AEST on Wednesday. The Blues hope this shift in approach will lead to a stronger performance and a crucial win in the series.