Can we do it without our fearless leader? - By Mary

This week we are, of course, talking Origin.

Game 1 means nothing. Game 2 means nothing. The last 7 years mean nothing. It all comes down to Wednesday night, to 80 minutes of football. 17 play 17 and hopefully for NSW a drought will be broken.

This State of Origin series has not been without controversy and difficulty for New South Wales. After losing James Tamou and Blake Ferguson for State of Origin II, the Blues find themselves without Jarryd Hayne and Paul Gallen for Game III.

This will be NSW's first time playing without Paul Gallen since 2010.

My question is, can the Blues do without Paul Gallen and rise to the occasion on Wednesday night?

The importance of key players and the importance of leaders cannot be underestimated. Jarryd Hayne is a prime example - when the Eels are without him, they struggle and have a woeful record without Jarryd on the field.

Paul Gallen's absolute presence on the field cannot be underestimated. In Game 2, Gal made a massive 17 hit ups with an average of 135 metres. He is a consistent performer and a workhorse for the Blues. The other men on the field will have to work extra hard to make sure his workload is covered.

Not only will Paul Gallen's massive work on the field be missed, but his presence as a leader will also be missed. Other experienced enforcers on the field like Luke Lewis and Greg Bird will need to step up, lead by example and ensure that someone is always talking and motivating on the field.

It is going to be a massive challenge for the Blues. It has been 7 years since the Blues won a State of Origin series. The crowd at ANZ Stadium will undoubtedly be behind the boys in blue, but this won't be enough on its own. We have a fight on our hands - only 80 minutes stand between us and Robbie Farah raising that trophy above his head.