When Nathan Peats thinks about tough, his mind doesn't wander to the 80-minute test of attrition that awaits him during Wednesday's State of Origin series opener, but rather his mum.

NSW could unleash Tyson Frizell on Queensland debutant Anthony Milford as they look set to shake-up their forward pack ahead of the opening game of the series.

• ANALYSIS

Queensland is in turmoil. The Blues have a new-look side that has never been in a better place to end the Maroons' domination.

Nobody doubts Anthony Milford's ability but how he works with Queensland maestro Cronk could be the defining factor for the Maroons in the Origin opener in Brisbane.

All Josh Dugan wanted was a bit of respect. The manner in which St George Illawarra handled its contract negotiations left a sour taste in the mouth of the NSW Origin representative.

• UPDATED

The Maroons playmaker needed scans to convince him that his 36-game run had come to an end, with medical staff saying his shoulder had failed the tests needed to give him the green light to play.

​NSW centre Josh Dugan is expecting to be targeted by Queensland during State of Origin I next week as he prepares to test his fractured cheekbone in rugby league's toughest arena.

NSW debutant Nathan Peats and skipper Boyd Cordner were among an emotional bunch of Blues players to shed tears at a heartfelt team gathering in Kingscliff on Tuesday night.

NSW five-eighth James Maloney has taken aim at the NRL, venting his frustrations over a perception the governing body is trying to portray the players as money hungry.

James Tedesco can see the irony in reuniting with former Tigers coach Jason Taylor at the Roosters next season, but he insists there's no bad blood between the pair.

Johnathan Thurston has his heart set on Origin I, but has pledged not to let his personal ambition override the team as he races the clock with his injured shoulder.

• COMMENT

The pathos of Billy Slater, Boyd Cordner and Nathan Peats has grabbed the Origin headlines so far this week but to me, there's a much more significant story staring everyone in the face.

Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk say Pearce will have learned valuable lessons from his demoralising series in 2015, when his attempt at mentally rattling Johnathan Thurston backfired badly.

The decision to overlook Robbie Farah in favour of Nathan Peats is a clear indication of the NSW coach's desire to get his halves early ball.

The Maroons captain says Thurston would be given until game time to play in the series opener and could be picked without a single training session to his name.

It's almost three years ago to the day. Suncorp Stadium. May 28, 2014. And NSW staring down the barrel of nine straight series defeats. Enter Jarryd Hayne.

Jarryd Hayne will have a license to roam in next week's State of Origin opener as NSW coach Laurie Daley maximises the returning star's attacking threat.

The Titans hooker reckoned he was never good enough to play for NSW. When Peter Wallace was ruled out, he was rushed into the side for game one.

They reckon big boys don't cry, but the Biggest Blue of them all now has shed a few in his time. And Boyd Cordner is not afraid to admit it too.