Former State of Origin great Jarryd Hayne says the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be a home game for the Maroons but also believes embattled halves Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce are the right men to lead NSW to victory.

Writing for The Sydney Morning Herald, the San Francisco 49er insists Origin is a lot more than just talent.

“No doubt this will be hard because Melbourne isn’t an easy place to play” Hayne writes.

“It will feel like another Queensland home game. It’s no 50-50 or 60-40, we’re coming to their backyard because of the influence of the Melbourne Storm superstars.

“The halves have been a huge talking point, but it’s good to see Laurie Daley has stuck solid with Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson because they have what it takes to take the series to a decider. It’s just a matter of putting the icing on the cake this time around.

Origin isn’t based on talent. It’s about character, desire, fortitude. Doing what it takes for your mate.”