As the newly minted New South Wales starting hooker, Api Koroisau admits he has big shoes to fill, replacing incumbent number nine Damien Cook.
“Our supports were down as well so there’s plenty of room for improvement.”
In an effort to find that improvement, Fittler has taken a stern approach to his side’s Perth preparations – calling his players into camp on Sunday night in Sydney and departing early on Monday morning for a full week of training.
The Blues also won’t break camp for a day, as they did before Game I, with the squad to stay together for the full seven days in the lead-up to the match on Sunday.
It’s a very different approach to Queensland’s coach Billy Slater, who will arrive with his charges in Perth late on Thursday.
Koroisau will be joined by his ex-panthers teammate Matt Burton, who will debut in the centres after Jack Wighton was ruled out due to contracting COVID-19.
“I’m over the moon, there’s a lot of energy in the group, and I’m looking forward to the week,” Burton told ABC Sport after his first session with the squad.
“The boys have been really good, they all got around me so it makes it a lot easier on me, looking forward to getting out there.”
Burton is certain his experience with the Panthers, where he played a crucial role in the side’s march to the 2021 premiership, will make all the difference for New South Wales as he attempts to brush off the pressure and keep the Blues on track for a fourth series win in five years.
“It obviously helps a lot, knowing those boys from last year, we have a few combinations there and I can’t wait to use them,” Burton said.
“You know the pressure is always there, but we are feeling confident going into the game.”
Source:: ABC News
