FORMER NSW State of Origin star Matt Cooper has backed Josh Dugan to get the job done in the centres next Wednesday night in game one of the highly anticipated 2016 series against Queensland.
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Cooper, a former centre himself, was in Dubbo alongside former Queensland star Brent Tate as part of the Holden Road to Origin tour.
There was a huge turnout of youngsters, who all got to take part in skills clinics with the two former Australian players, but Origin was all everyone wanted to talk about.
Both Cooper and Tate gave their views of their respective sides and the former St George Illawarra Dragon backed Dugan to star in centres, despite his scintillating form at fullback at club level.
"I think he's better in the centres," Cooper said.
"Obviously he plays well at fullback and he's probably one of the best ball returners in the game but I like him better in the centres because he can defend so I think he's best suited there.
"I'm glad he'll be playing at right centre for NSW."
Cooper was as equally adamant when discussing NSW's chances of winning next week and setting up a chance to claw the Origin title away from Queensland this year.
"Of course, we'll win game one," he said.
"We're at home and it's a new side and there's a lot of passion so we'll get the job done."
Tate couldn't agree with his former Australian teammate on that but one thing they spoke about in unison was the success of the Road to Origin tour.
Dubbo's Caltex Park was the fifth stop for the pair and they were greeted by a huge crowd of local juniors.
Cooper and Tate also helped to present a cheque valued at $1000 to the Dubbo City Juniors club from the Holden Home Ground Advantage scheme.
"We've had a huge response this year and nearly 200 kids everywhere we've been," Tate said.
"It's awesome and we've been happy with it and the kids get a huge thrill out of it too.
"There is some handy players and I've been surprised by the passion they've all had for the Blues.
"I shouldn't be surprised but there's been plenty of passion, which is great and I think just talking to all the kids they're excited for Origin and we are too."
Tate, who scored five tries in 23 appearances for Queensland, admitted it was tough finding Maroons supporters throughout country NSW.
"There's a few, not many, but there's a few so when I find them I latch on to them," Tate said, causing Cooper to laugh.
"There's only a couple, not a few," he replied.
