Great mates Greg Bird and Mat Rogers will push their friendship to the side when the deciding State of Origin battle explodes this week.
With the 2026 series locked at one win apiece, it all comes down to the showdown at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday 8 July.
And, that’s not lost on the duo, who represented NSW and Queensland respectively.
The pair recently ventured to the Hunter, joining the likes of Michael Hagan, Aiden Guerra, Josh Morris, Craig Wing, Tim Brasher, Mark Coyne, Jarrod Croker, Graeme Wynn and many more ex-NRL stars, at the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s annual Legends Charity Golf Day at Cypress Lakes.
For Maitland-born Bird, it was a homecoming of sorts.
“I love returning to area, especially for a good cause,” he said.
“The theme [for today] only adds to the Origin hype because we’re all giving it to each other good-naturedly.
“But, the Blues have a big job ahead of them.
“NSW needs to find a bit more intent, a bit more desire.
“I thought we played strong in patches in game two, however the Maroons wanted it more.
“Plus, they were down 1-0, so they had more to play for.
“Obviously, if they lost the game, the series was over.
“Now, it’s level playing field.
“The boys have got to go up there (Queensland) and do it.
“However, there’s no better place to win than Suncorp.”
Bird, 42, who played juniors with the West Maitland Red Dogs and Maitland Pumpkin Pickers before being signed by the Newcastle Knights, donned the Blues’ jumper on 18 occasions.
It’s just another highlight in an illustrious career, which spanned 235 NRL appearances with the Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans.
However, the former Rutherford Technology High School student believes NSW coach Laurie Daley has pulled the right strings in recalling Stephen Crichton and Liam Martin.
“For me, they should never have not been there,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“I know injuries and other things come into play.
“But, at the end of the day, those two blokes are made for State of Origin.
“So, I’m looking forward to seeing them both out there.
“I especially love the way Liam plays, he won’t die wondering, that’s for sure.”
Rogers, a 200-game NRL stalwart with the Sharks and Titans, is firmly in the Maroons’ corner after registering five and 11 matches for Queensland and Australia, too.
“No offence to ‘Birdy’ but the Blues go to pieces when the pressure is on,” he laughed.
“Seriously, though, I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
“It’s almost a mirror image of last year in relation to the feel of the game.
“NSW was unbackable going into the third match.
“However, the Maroons went down [to Sydney] and pulled their pants down.
“Maybe, there was a little bit of complacency there.
“So, I’m pretty sure that won’t happen to Queensland under Billy Slater’s watch.”
Rogers admitted he was overwhelmed by the Maroons’ performance in the second showdown, which finished 44-24 in their favour.
He even singled out Sam Walker and “surprise packet” Jojo Fifita for their efforts.
“It was phenomenal, especially the second half,” he said.
“Don’t forget, they trailed 12-8 at the break.
“But, they all stood up to be counted when it mattered.
“Sammy looked like he’d been there for years.
“I was really impressed with the way he played.
“As for Jojo, he’s been good this season for the Titans.
“I wouldn’t say an absolute standout, just solid.
“However, given the opportunity, he’s risen to the occasion.
“That’s what happens when you put the Queensland jersey on.
“Jojo went to my former school, and I had him in the studio on our radio show earlier this year, and he’s an imposing figure.
“I’m extremely proud of what he’s doing.”
So, how will the Maroons prevail?
“I think if they get their fair share of ball in the middle of the field, we’ll be okay,” Rogers said.
“Harry Grant will jump out of dummy half and terrorise the Blues.
“They won’t be able to get off their line.
“It’ll soften their edges and we can go at them.
“I just love the way Billy’s prepared this team… they’ll be ready to go.”
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