Coming together to perform an Indigenous war cry at training has helped the NSW Blues to build a strong connection as they prepare for Wednesday's State of Origin series opener.
The Blues first united for the cultural ritual, the same performed by the Indigenous team before the annual NRL All Stars match, at the team's official dinner on Monday night.
Jarome Luai, Brian To'o and Stephen Crichton, members of the Blues' Samoan contingent, were particularly keen to celebrate the culture of Indigenous teammates Latrell Mitchell, Nicho Hynes and Josh Addo-Carr - so much so that the team began reprising the war cry at training later in the week.
"It's just a bit of love, showing a bit of love to Foxxy (Addo-Carr) and Trell (Mitchell)," Luai explained.
"They're a big part of this team and I think having Foxxy back in camp is a big energy boost for the boys.
"Big Nicho as well is part of that. We love hyping up the boys.
"It's a team bonding sort of thing."
Wiradjuri and Darkinjung man Hynes is quick to immerse himself in his teammates' cultures, learning the haka while playing at Melbourne alongside Maori stars Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes.
The Blues utility brushed up on his haka skills after joining Cronulla, when a Maori Elder came to training to teach them as part of Multicultural Round.
"At the Sharks, we have the same thing, we have all the Samoan, Tongan boys, Kiwis and Maoris. They love our culture, we love theirs, we just spread the love," Hynes said.
"It's cool to come in and (the NSW Blues) are the same as well. Everyone's proud of their own culture and I love when they represent ours too."
Hynes was confident the respect and connection would show in the Origin series opener at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night.
"That's what you try to build in these camps, the connection and the love," Hynes said.
"I guarantee you want to tackle for your mate next to you if you know more about him and you respect him."
Luai is tasked with sparking the Blues' left edge, where Mitchell and To'o will line up in Game I. The five-eighth has already noticed the camaraderie coming to the fore.
"We've got a good connection, this Blues team here," he said.
"Hopefully that helps us this Wednesday."
