LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
As the focus shifts to Wimbledon, the NSW Blues are gearing up for the final State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium in Sydney next week.
According to reports from au.news.yahoo.com, the US Open serves as inspiration for athletes facing pressure, prominently featuring the phrase "pressure is a privilege" near Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This quote, attributed to tennis legend Billie Jean King, resonates with the Blues as they prepare to defend their championship title following a surprising loss in Perth.
Returning coach Laurie Daley has openly shared his feelings ahead of this significant match, revealing a mix of emotions.
"I think it's a bit of everything.
I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't nervous, but it's more excitement than nerves.
Probably anxious is the right word," he expressed.
Daley emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "You're just hoping that you've nailed your prep for the week which we're about to do, and that's all we can do is nail what we can control, which is the preparation.
If we do that then we'll give ourselves every chance to win a game of footy."
The emotional stakes are high for the team, as they seek to reclaim the shield against pressure and hubris, a narrative that mirrors the high-stakes atmosphere athletes face at major competitions like Wimbledon.
With their grim history of underperformance weighing heavily, the Blues aim to channel their nerves into a passionate performance on the field.