Rabbitohs and New South Wales halfback, Adam Reynolds, is no stranger to big games, having played in plenty for South Sydney – a fact that he believes will help him in his first foray into State of Origin this Wednesday.
In particular, Reynolds referred to the 2014 Grand Final as being a similar situation to the one he now finds himself in, with the Souths Junior likening his maiden Blues berth with the hype surrounding around the 2014 decider.
“I think it helps a lot,” said Reynolds of having the big-game experience.
“Obviously the past two days have been pretty full-on with media commitments and just settling into camp. Most of the media stuff is out of the way now.
“We went through that with the Grand Final and obviously the build-up towards the game, there’s going to be a lot of hype around.
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“I think it’s very similar – the pressure’s there, the same as the Grand Final and obviously all eyes are going to be on that game.”
Reynolds will partner Sharks playmaker, James Maloney in the New South Wales halves on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium, in what will be the side’s tenth halves combination in seven years.
But those numbers don’t daunt Reynolds, who is completely focused on the job at hand and his own combination with Maloney.
“I’ve just got to continually do my job,” said Reynolds.
“If I do my job well and push the boys around the park and do everything I can do to the best of my ability, that’s all I can sort of do there.”
Reynolds and his New South Welshmen will be looking to get off to a good start in the 2016 Origin Series in order to take back the coveted trophy from Greg Inglis’ Queensland Maroons.
To watch the full interview, please press play on the video player.
This video first appeared on NSWRL.com.au