Gallen focused on NSW present, not future

New South Wales star Paul Gallen wishes that people would stop talking about what the Blues team should look like in future.

The bruising loose forward is more concerned about Game II of this year’s series, which takes place in Melbourne next week.

Some observers in Australia have asserted that the time has come to leave old warhorses like the 33-year-old Gallen out, so that new players can be blooded.

“One thing that does annoy me a little is people talking about the future of Origin,” Gallen told reporters Down Under.

“The future of Origin is game two. Origin is about picking your best team available at that time, not about picking blokes for a year or two away.

“It is not club level, we are not dealing with salary cap restraints, we are dealing with game two and that is all I am worried about right now.”

Gallen experienced the crowd in Game I in Sydney, as he watched from the sidelines. The experience reminded him of the passion associated with Origin.

“There is genuine hatred between the two states at this time of year and being out in the public during Origin I really made me realise how important Origin is to Australia, or at least the east coast of Australia,” he said.

“It was a big eye opener to see how special it is to people.”

The Australian star is also confident that he can handle Origin’s intensity, despite his lack of match fitness.

“I know my ability. I know the way I have performed at this level before,” he insisted.

“It was only 12 months ago that I won a Wally Lewis Medal so I have got no doubt about my ability at this level whatsoever. I am not concerned about it.”