NSW great Anthony Minichiello has warned rookie Blues fullback Matt Moylan to expect a brutal initiation to State of Origin from Queensland.
Moylan makes his Origin debut in the series opener in Sydney on June 1.
He has been drafted into the Blues side to add another attacking dimension to NSW. But Minichiello, who made a career out of dusting himself off from big hits at the back, says it will be under the high ball that Moylan will face the sternest test.
"He is an outstanding ball player at Penrith and that adds an extra attacking weapon for the Blues to try and create something and that is much needed, but the question is how will he handle the physical stuff," Minichiello told AAP.
"They will no doubt be getting a good-kick chase on him and getting up on him and trying to lift him up and push him back.
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"You just have to go in with a really tough attitude that you are going to cop the hits. You just have to take it cop it on the chin get up and go again."
Moylan said he would embrace the physicality of Origin.
"That physicality is all part of it, and that is the part I am most looking forward to," he said.
"It is a big challenge and I want to test myself against the best."
"I am keen to get into this week and then can't wait to get out there on Wednesday week."
