At the face of New South Wales' Origin front for much of the last decade, Sharks and Blues Captain Paul Gallen says the tide will soon turn.
Lacing up his boots for the last time as an Origin player on Wednesday night, Gallen was looking forward to taking a step back from the intensity of the arena, while saying the next crop of talent sits squarely in the favour of his beloved Blues.
Speaking with Sky Sports Radio's 'Big Sports Breakfast', Gallen said youthful stars Jack Bird, Matt Moylan and James Tedesco hold the key to the future successes of the State.
"Obviously Tedesco, his form was undeniable ... To his credit he's kept his form up in club level, and he deserves his chance there's no doubt about it," Gallen said.
"Hopefully he's here for a long time to come. (Moylan) can cover the whole back line ... there's a lot of options there."
Listen to the full interview with Gallen, now playing courtesy of Sky Sports Radio, in the below player.
