When Paul Gallen runs out onto ANZ Stadium tonight he will have waited 329 days to put things right.
The Cronulla and NSW captain will lead the Blues in State of Origin game one against Queensland looking for redemption for last year’s embarrassing capitulation in game three.
NSW were thrashed 52-6 by the rampant Maroons in Brisbane to hand Queensland their ninth win in the last 10 series.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has made a host of changes from the side beaten so badly in the decider last year including the addition of four debutants – Adam Reynolds, Dylan Walker, Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour.
But Gallen, who will play his final Origin series for NSW, is confident his new-look team can get revenge for last year.
“It was a tough loss, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
“We’re not hiding from that fact. We were embarrassed up there.
“You can’t get beaten by that many points as we did and there not be some changes.
“I’m not surprised. There was always going to be changes.
“The boys who have been picked as debutants have all been playing well at club level.
“I don’t think anyone can doubt they deserve their spot.”
The 34-year-old has played 21 games for the Blues, eight as captain.
And while this might be his Origin swan song, Gallen said he would approach the series as he always had.
“It is my last series [but] I wouldn’t say there is extra motivation,” he said.
“Every game you play for NSW you’ve got to play your best and that’s always been my attitude.
“My motivation is always the same. I always want to win but to go out a winner from this type of arena would mean a lot to me.”
While NSW have rung the changes, new Queensland coach Kevin Walters has stuck with the majority of the team that has dominated the series for so many years.
Captain Cameron Smith and star halves Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk return along with Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Matt Scott, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker in a strong Maroons team.
