State of Origin

Like all proud New South Welshmen and women, I'll be backing the New South Wales Blues when they run onto the MCG for the second game of the State of Origin series. But I'll be cheering just that extra bit louder for the five Penrith Panthers players chosen to represent New South Wales: Penrith captain Isaah Yeo; Brian To'o; Jarome Luai; Liam Martin; and, of course, our Clive Churchill Medal winning fullback, Dylan Edwards, making his much-anticipated State of Origin debut.

Over the past three years the Panthers have been the pride of our community, with an unbelievable three premierships in a row. Later this week they'll hit a thousand days as reigning premiers. The excellence of our local club is evident in the selection of these five players to represent our state on one of rugby league's biggest stages. I'm sure New South Wales coach Michael Maguire has seen the rugby league magic taking place at the foot of the mountains, so it's no surprise he moved the Blues camp from the bottom of the mountains—the coast, in fact—up the mountains to Leura, to the fantastic Fairmont Resort. I know I'm not alone in hoping that the peaceful environment, the fresh mountain air and the great hospitality they've experienced will give New South Wales the winning edge in that game. Go, the Blues!