Former New South Wales halfback Brett Kimmorley is expecting a Blues win on Wednesday night but days the pressure is on coach Laurie Daley to wield the axe if Queensland dominate.

“I’m looking forward to the Blues playing a bit more footy in Game 1 this year, they should be a lot more positive,” he wrote on espn.com.au.

“With Pearce running the show, reunited with his old halves partner James Maloney and behind what should be a dominant pack, the Blues should return home needing only one more win to clinch the shield.

“One thing is for sure, if the Blues don’t win and don’t perform up to expectations in this game, then coach Laurie Daley has to be true to his word, he has to put the broom through the line-out.

“Player loyalty and stick-and-pick has done nothing but lose series for New South Wales over the years. There is no real way to see whether a player is up to Origin until they’re in the middle of it, if a player fails to perform, the next player in line deserves a chance to prove his worth.”