No Tunnel, No Distractions: Blues Take Drastic Step for Origin Glory
In a significant change to their pre-match routine, New South Wales Blues captain Isaah Yeo has confirmed that the team will forgo their traditional tunnel walk at Accor Stadium ahead of the State of Origin series decider on Wednesday night.
The Blues had initially considered a different pre-game entrance for game three, and the latest decision solidifies a deliberate move away from the dramatic, emotion-charged tunnel walk that leads from the NSWRL Centre of Excellence to the stadium. This long underground passage has become a symbolic part of the Blues’ game-day build-up, but with the series on the line, the team has opted for a more stripped-back approach.
Yeo explained that the decision stems from a desire to sharpen focus and eliminate unnecessary emotional distractions ahead of the high-stakes clash. He acknowledged that the Origin decider carries significant emotional weight, and combined with the team’s underwhelming first-half performance in game two, the leadership group felt it was crucial to reset mentally.
“The walk from the Centre of Excellence is powerful, but we don’t want to get caught up in the moment,” Yeo said. “It’s about focusing on what we need to do once we run out onto that field.”
By simplifying their game-day routine, the Blues hope to build a more composed mindset and improve their execution from the outset. With the series tied at one game apiece, every detail counts—and the decision to bypass the symbolic tunnel walk could be the mental shift the Blues need to clinch the series victory.
