In NSW skipper Boyd Cordner's eyes, Laurie Daley's most important recruit for their 2017 State of Origin campaign won't step onto the field at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
Cordner says that title belongs to Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson.
During the Blues' 10-day camp in northern NSW, the Australian Army corporal has taken players under his wing in his role as an assistant team manager.
He was brought into camp by Daley for games two and three last year but this year joined the NSW staff permanently.
Cordner believes the presence of Donaldson, who won the VC for his courage under fire protecting injured troops while serving in Afghanistan in 2008, brings confidence to the Blues' camp.
"To just have a guy of his stature, to see what he's done for this country, for his family, it's pretty inspirational to see how passionate he is about the Blues jersey and about NSW."
After Donaldson's unit came under fire, he ran onto the battlefield to the aid of an injured interpreter and carried him to safety as bullets rained down around him.
"I just want to soak up anything I can," Cordner said.
"To be through what he's been through, he is very mentally tough. To pick his brain is invaluable."
Cordner, after just six Origin appearances, will on Wednesday night succeed Paul Gallen as Blues captain and become the state's 19th Origin skipper.
He said he had plenty to learn about leadership and was soaking up all he could from Donaldson.
"He hasn't said 'this is what you've got to do to go out and be a leader'. Hearing his stories and experiences, I take a lot away from that," Cordner said.
"I don't ask him anything about leadership, I just love listening to his stories and his experiences. I think I can draw on that."
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