If you think State of Origin dead rubbers don't mean anything, don't tell Brad Fittler.
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The NSW coach gave short shrift to the idea that Game III at Accor Stadium next Wednesday carried little relevance as his side bid to avoid a series whitewash for the first time since 2010.
Fittler bristled on Friday when it was put to him that with Queensland having already won the series, next week's game meant nothing.
The Blues coach hit back, highlighting that pulling on a Blues jersey is a privilege so few players get to enjoy.
"You can judge that on Thursday, wait until you see how they play on Wednesday and they represent NSW," Fittler said.
"Not everyone gets to do that. The two new boys are #309 and #310, so we're talking about a really limited number of people who actually get to play for NSW.
"You can write it up as you like. But at the end of the day, they're part of a group of only 300 people that have played for NSW, so you can call it (a dead rubber) what you want.
"You don't get a chance to win an Origin series, but they're still playing for NSW."
Fittler and Blues advisor Greg Alexander fronted journalists on Friday, in lieu of players who have chosen to boycott media engagements due to their ongoing dispute with the NRL over the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Alexander said next Wednesday's game, which could have ramifications for Fittler's Blues coaching career, offered the players a chance to make amends for their sub-par showings in the previous two Origins.
"Origin is different, it's three grand finals," Alexander said.
"It doesn't matter whether it's a decider or game one ... it's just as important. We can't win the series, but we can atone for what's happened."
NSW spent a session this week going through a replay of Game II where they were thumped 32-6 by Queensland.
Alexander said the Blues had to improve their attack - only one try this series has come off a well-worked move - after watching the game back in camp.
"I think what we wanted to happen just hasn't happened yet," Alexander said.
"There's been plans in place to play a certain way but it just hasn't come about for whatever reason.
"We highlighted a few areas we thought we could have improved dramatically in Game III. It's little things and lots of little things generally add up to a win."
Australian Associated Press
