7th Tackle: Controversial contender to host Blues camp
Plenty has changed with the way NSW is preparing for Origin this year. The Blues have ditched their traditional Coffs Harbour base, opting to stay closer to Brisbane prior to Games I and III.
There's still no confirmation where camp will assemble ahead of the lone Sydney fixture, but sources say The Star casino is the leading contender.
Other options are the Novotel at Darling Harbour, or Pullman at Olympic Park. However, The Star is a major backer of the Blues and has hosted all the team's official functions over the past two years.
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Having elite players stay in the gambling precinct for over a week is a very different proposition. Take it from us - Tim Simona isn't Robinson Caruso when it comes to rugby league players with serious gambling problems.
Just last week we told you Blake Ferguson - the Blues winger - had experienced recent issues that raised concerns within his club, the Roosters.
With the NSW Crime Commission investigation into match fixing still ongoing, it's an extremely sensitive issue. A spokeswoman said that if the NSWRL board did choose The Star, the team would not be staying within the casino itself, but at an adjoining property.
It's likely the team will hold training at Leichhardt Oval - just a short drive across the Anzac Bridge.