New South Wales prop James Tamou believes the Blues will miss veterans Paul Gallen and Greg Bird but the youth in the squad would be an advantage heading into Origin I on Wednesday night.

“With Gal, his leadership skills are second to none and with Birdy, we’re going to miss his presence,” Tamou told nrl.com.

“As a footballer he definitely has everything you want in someone you want to play beside you on the field there.

“Even beside the footy side of everything, even just in camp it’s going to be different but I’m pretty happy with the side, it’s a young side and an enthusiastic side so I’m pretty happy with what we’ve got at the moment.”