Meninga plays down wrestling issue

Maroons coach Mal Meninga has admitted employing the services of a specialist wrestling coach ahead of Wednesday's State of Origin opener against the Blues at ANZ Stadium.

Speaking upon the Queenslanders' arrival at Sydney airport on Tuesday, Meninga revealed an 'outsider' had conducted designated-wrestling sessions in the build up to the clash.

"We've done a little bit on the ground work," Meninga revealed.

"The ground is very important in the modern game - winning the (battle on the) ground whether you're in defence or attack so we've focused on that in a couple of sessions."

"But then again we're not doing anything different or what the players are not used to at club level."

Meninga's admission comes just hours after former Queensland players lambasted NSW coach Craig Bellamy for drafting the Melbourne Storm's wrestling specialist into the Blues camp.

Asked if he holds concerns over the use of wrestling coaches Meninga played down the issue.

"Again, the ground is important we know that but this is another level in the game, the speed's a lot quicker and a lot more intense."

"It doesn't slow down because of stoppages and stuff so it's going to be very hard even thinking about winning the ground to be honest with you."

The Maroons arrived in Sydney in a relaxed yet determined mood and their coach remains quietly confident on the eve of the match.

"We've got a game plan and we believe into that game plan and we believe if we stick to that game plan we're a great chance of being successful," Meninga said.

But Meninga knows his charges can ill-afford to take Bellamy's men lightly.

"We're coming up against a fairly committed and well coached rugby league side in this NSW squad," he said.

"We're not complacent, we won't underestimate them."

"But we can only control what we do, it's been a really good preparation and hopefully what we've done through the week is good enough"

Meanwhile, Meninga admitted to concerns over the state of the playing surface at ANZ Stadium but promised his star-studded backline would have an impact on proceedings regardless of the conditions.

"If you know anything about the game of rugby league it's about digging in and having a bit of a dig," Meninga said.

"And we know that particularly early in the sets the big outside backs get involved and do a bit of the ruck work."

"They know they've got to get their hands dirty and they know they've get to get out their and graft for the footy side."

"And if it so happens their skill comes into play at some stage during the game, it'd be great to see it."