Cameron Murray insists long-time rival Victor Radley won't be a liability to NSW as the Sydney Roosters firebrand prepares for his State of Origin debut.
Radley and South Sydney skipper Murray, both 28, have been adversaries for more than 20 years at their junior clubs, through the lower grades and also at NRL level.
The pair have yet to play a senior game together but will combine for the first time when they take to the field in Wednesday night's series opener in Sydney.
Radley has a reputation as one of the NRL's biggest hot-heads and has been sinbinned 11 times during his 166-game career.
He has conceded seven penalties across five games for the Roosters this season, but Murray, like NSW coach Laurie Daley, wants Radley to embrace his fiery streak.
Murray missed all of last year's series with injury and game one will mark his first Origin appearance since he was involved in sideline scrap in the victorious 2024 series decider.
"I channelled a bit of Victor last time I was out there," Murray said.
"I think Victor's been picked to be Victor, so however you want to interpret that, that's your job.
"Victor's been around the game long enough now and I think his maturity levels are at an all-time high, and he'll just go out there and be Victor."
Radley has not been sinbinned for over two seasons but comes into the series opener after serving a one-game ban for a high shot.
He and Murray will start on the interchange against the Maroons at Accor Stadium and will have to work out how they combine with captain Isaah Yeo, who has been named to start at lock.
"I love this arena, I love playing in the blue jersey and not not playing any footy last year was tough," Murray said.
"I'm glad I'm back in the team and in the picture and able to sort of play my part as best I can in bringing that shield back to the state."
