Blues Choose Not to Participate in ‘Emotional’ Tunnel Walk Before State of Origin Decider

The captain of NSW, Isaah Yeo, has announced that the Blues will not be walking out through the tunnel at Accor Stadium prior to the State of Origin decider on Wednesday evening.

This decision comes after reports surfaced last week regarding the team’s intention to alter their pre-match routine for the third game.

As a result, the squad will forgo the lengthy underground tunnel connecting the NSWRL Centre of Excellence to the stadium.

“I don’t believe we’ll be going through the tunnel,” Yeo stated during a press conference on Tuesday morning.

Yeo elaborated that due to the heightened emotions associated with an Origin decider, coupled with the Blues’ lacklustre first half in game two, the team aims to reduce distractions.

The Blues faced defeat in game one in Sydney last year after opting for the tunnel walk, despite being significantly affected by an early send-off for Joseph Suaalii during that match.

“It can be beneficial, but in past years it hasn’t really worked out for us in terms of the emotional side,” Yeo remarked.

Instead, the Blues will conduct their preparations in the regular Accor Stadium changing rooms and perform a much shorter walk to the field.

Yeo hopes that reverting to a more straightforward pre-match routine will help the squad mentally.

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“For any big match at Accor, you typically prepare in the Accor sheds. That’s the rationale behind this decision,” he explained.

“This was also debated last year, and we opted for the tunnel walk then.”

“This method brings a sense of normalcy. You warm up in the sheds and carry out your usual preparations for a big match,” he noted.

“It seems this will be the path we take.”

The tradition of walking through the tunnel was initially inspired by the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ tunnel walk, where players travel from their dressing rooms in the Centre of Excellence through a hall of fame tunnel adorned with images of past NSW players and coaches, before entering the field.

Since 2019, NSW has utilised the tunnel for previous deciders held at Accor Stadium.

The Blues are now anticipated to travel directly from their team hotel to Accor Stadium, conduct their warm-up inside the sheds, and subsequently enter the field through the conventional western tunnel.

Despite facing several injury and illness concerns among the squad, coach Laurie Daley affirmed that his team would field a full line-up of 1-17 on Wednesday night.

Brian To’o has been managing a knee issue, while Payne Haas has been dealing with a back complaint. Nonetheless, both players successfully completed the team’s opposed session against the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg Cup side at Accor Stadium on Monday night.

“It was fantastic to witness Brian participating in most of the session, and Payno did some parts too. Given the circumstances surrounding his back, we felt it best to have him ready for the game rather than risking it a couple of days out,” Daley stated.

“They’re both in good spirits and healthy now. It’s time to get into the game.”

Jacob Kiraz has been named as the 18th man in case of an emergency for To’o.

“I told Jacob to prepare as if he’s playing. If we have to pull Brian out an hour before the match, you’re in. So, wrap your head around that. If not, you’re the 18th man and may get a chance to play regardless,” Daley explained.

The third game is set to kick off at 8:05 PM AEST.