STATE OF ORIGIN
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NSW skipper Paul Gallen says the prospect of lifting the Blues' first State of Origin shield in nine years to an empty stadium or a chorus of boos won't detract from the moment come full-time on Wednesday night.
The Blues' celebrations after winning the series in Game II in Sydney had everything but the silverware, re-igniting debate as to whether the shield should be presented to the winning team at their home ground.
The job's not done yet but Gallen admitted he has thought about the moment when he finally gets his hands on the shield and said nothing, not even 50,000 booing Queenslanders, can sour the moment for his side.
"I can't wait to hold it up, I couldn't care less if there's 55,000 people or five people here it's going to be a great moment for myself and for NSW," Gallen said.
"Not only for this team but every player and coach who's been involved over the past eight years. We've played against this side that's been blessed with all these great players but on top of that they've been a great side as well.
"To finally beat them is a great moment in history and it's certainly something I'm going to remember. To hold it up, I'm really looking forward to it and certainly it'll be a career highlight for myself."
Gallen was equally unfazed by the prospect of empty seats when he collects the shield.
"I'm certainly not worried about who's here and who's not here," Gallen said.
"But I would like to see it packed out, I think that'd be great.
"I think both sides deserve this place to be packed out. It's a great place to play at when it's packed out."
While he's let himself think about what will be a huge moment in NSW history, Gallen said it hasn't been a distraction as the Blues look to inflict the first 3-0 sweep on Queensland in 14 years.
"Our goal was to win the series and we've done that and as goals do they've evolved and grown bigger and we want to win this series 3-0," Gallen said.
"We've got no excuses going into the game, we're well prepared and we want to win.
"We know how hard it is to get hold of these jumpers, it's very hard to get an Origin jumper and when you've got hold of it you don't want to let it go."
Queensland captain Cameron Smith stopped short of urging Queensland fans to stick around but said his side will watch Gallen hoist the shield.
"I remember lifting a shield in Sydney and I can't remember seeing a packed house there so we'll see what happens," Smith said.
"All I can control is myself and my footy team and we'll be sticking around to watch him lift it up."