NSW Advisor Greg Alexander believes the Blues are coming up against the strongest Queensland side in years, ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin series opener.

After the Blues won last year’s series without any games in NSW, Brandy admits it’ll be a difficult task this year against the Maroons, who’ve named four debutants in Billy Slater’s first series as head coach.

Alexander says he’s looking forward to watching Blues debutant Kotoni Staggs take on the Maroons.

“Seeing him up close, he is very powerful and has fitted in well and looks good down that right edge, so I’m excited about Kotoni,” he said.

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