Nathan Cleary has declared himself ready to be the chief playmaker for NSW in State of Origin this year as he partners rookie five-eighth Cody Walker.
The Blues completed their first training run of the camp on Tuesday, with second-rower Tyson Frizell rested due to concussion.
And all eyes were on how quickly the new-look halves combination would gel.
At 21 years of age, Cleary is eight years younger than Walker but, with three Origin games under his belt, is more experienced than his new halves partner.
"My main job will be getting that kicking game right. I'll be the main kicker in the team. That's my biggest focus going into the game," Cleary told AAP.
Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan made a cameo appearance prior to a 90-minute field session at NSWRL headquarters in Homebush.
Blues legend Andrew Johns spent a large chunk of time honing the attack, which featured Cleary and Walker running sets either side of the ruck.
"It was good to get out there," Cleary said.
"We had two long days in camp just getting all this media stuff done so it was good to finally get out on the training field and I thought it went well.
"Just did a few basic things today and worked out the way we want to play."
The series-opener marks just the third time in 18 months Cleary will play without Penrith teammate James Maloney, who has been overlooked for Walker.
Last year Maloney took charge as the most experienced player in the team.
This year Cleary, who was arguably the most contentious selection given the Panthers' poor season, has been presented with an opportunity to take charge.
"It's a bit different (without Maloney). He's pretty chirpy. Cody's a bit quieter, but they're both really footy smart so it's not a massive difference there," Cleary said.
"They're both great players. I'm just looking to do my job to be honest.
"There's a lot of players in good form and (Damien Cook) handles the middle really well, and (James Tedesco) is around there as well."
Earlier on Tuesday Sydney Roosters utility Victory Radley joined the team as 19th man following the addition of Ryan Matterson on Monday.
The Blues have their traditional boxing session later in the day, before completing some community visits on Wednesday.
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