NSW passionate about Blues: Stuart - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

NSW passionate about Blues: Stuart

Steve Jancetic 14/06/2011 07:47:56 PM Comments (0)

NSW coach Ricky Stuart says Wednesday night's sellout for Origin II shows just how much passion the state has for the Blues.

The 'house full' sign for an Origin contest at ANZ Stadium went up last week for the first time since 2005, which also happened to be the last time the Blues captured the trophy.

While the big wet which had drenched Sydney might keep a few away from the turnstiles on the night, Stuart said the team's supporters had made their feelings about his side very clear.

"I think the fans have given us a message - the stadium was sold out six, seven days ago," Stuart said.

"They're showing our players there's support there, and I think the players showed our fans in game one that they've got a side there.

"I've always loved playing in front of our supporters down here.

"They're passionate enough. They know they've got a passionate team."

Skipper Paul Gallen issued a call to arms on Tuesday, saying he hoped Blues' fans made life hell for the Maroons in the lead-up to - and during - Wednesday night's clash.

"It'd be nice. I know when we're up there it's not real nice and comfortable for us," Gallen said.

"NSW have been great to get 80,000 people to the ground for it, to get a bit of Origin mentality, a bit of us versus them mentality and not show them too much support would be nice."

After failing to win a game in the first eight years of Origin being played at the Olympic venue from 1999, the Maroons have enjoyed a wealth of success in recent years, triumphant in their past four visits to NSW's home ground.

"It holds no fear for them coming to Sydney, (just as) going to Queensland didn't hold any fear for us," Gallen said.

"The home ground advantage is gone a little bit these days."

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