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BRISBANE - Queensland coach Mal Meninga believes New South Wales will be steeled for their State of Origin clash because of whispers that Blues mentor Graham Murray does not have his players' full support.
As Queensland prepare to move in for an Origin cleansweep at Suncorp Stadium tonight, Meninga cautioned his players to be on guard for a NSW side backed into a corner following reports one of their players had spoken out about Murray to the media.
Whether it happened or not, Meninga said it would still solidify the team and make them even more dangerous.
"I know the players called a meeting about it (the reports) and that alone spells danger for us because that can meld a side," Meninga said.
"I've seen it happen many, many times.
"We won't be underestimating their turmoil because probably a majority of times it makes you perform better."
Meanwhile, Meninga paid England-bound Brisbane utility Shaun Berrigan the ultimate compliment on the eve of his 15th and last Origin, describing him as one of the "characters" of the game and one of best utilities to have laced on a boot.
Berrigan, who's heading to Hull at the end of the season, was credited with turning Queensland's Origin fortunes around off the bench last year and his ability to play so many positions makes him a valuable asset to any side.
He's been a wild card for Brisbane, playing halfback, five-eighth, centre and hooker in recent years.
His versatility has earned him a regular spot in Australian sides either starting or on the bench.
"He fills such a huge void in our footy side," Meninga said.
"The modern game demands you have a utility player but Berro offers more than that.
"He's good to be around, he's great off the field.
"He's a character and that's really important.
"Sometimes the game has got robots but he's certainly not one of the those.
"He's got a great competitive nature, he's got a fantastic attitude when it comes to game time and he never lets you down.
"He's got huge qualities as a player and a person and I wish him all the best in the future.
Meninga wasn't interested in how NSW would line up or in speculation their utility ace Kurt Gidley could start in the halves.
"I don't know and I don't care," he said.
"I don't know why coaches throw players around. We picked our side based on who is going to do a good starting job and who is coming off the bench and that's the way we'll remain."
Meninga did show just how relaxed he was, jokingly suggesting he'd put some shoulder pads on and don the headgear to play in the second row when he was asked how he'd cover the loss of forward Jacob Lillyman.
Meninga was jesting when he said he could throw in 79 kilo Matt Bowen into lock or the second-row.
Bowen, who's scored 15 tries in 15 National Rugby League games this season, will be used when the big Blues forwards are wilting.
Meninga said he had no problems with skipper Darren Lockyer honing in on the pain of losing the third game of the 2000 series to NSW by 56-16 to drive him tomorrow night.
"You use anything you possibly can to motivate yourself and for Darren it's obviously the memory of 2000 and that's a good thing," said Meninga.
"He remembers getting thrashed and all those little antics the NSW guys came up with but we haven't talked about it as a team."
- AAP
