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IT'S a sight that has become all too familiar and one we NSW folk are sick and tired of.
But it's all about to change.
Queensland's State of Origin stranglehold over NSW is about to come to an end.
And this is where it all starts for NSW.
And ends for Queensland.
Laurie Daley at the site of this year's NSW State of Origin camp at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
Right here in Coffs Harbour, 530 kilometres north of Sydney.
Welcome to Camp Laurie.
The Daily Telegraph was yesterday given a full tour of NSW's new training facilities inside the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, 10 minutes north of Coffs Harbour.
The Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
It is from within the bowels of this delightful haven on the NSW north coast that the underdog Blues will attempt to dismantle Queensland's iron-like grip on State of Origin.
The Blues will enter camp here at Coffs six days before both Suncorp Stadium matches. They will fly straight to Brisbane from Coffs Harbour on a charter flight.
This serene setting is strikingly different to NSW's previous camps in downtown Coogee, in Sydney's east.
The Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
The 40 hectare resort - split by the Pacific Highway - offers tranquility and, most importantly, privacy. The training field is pristine, nestled below rolling hills and hundreds of massive gum trees.
Adjacent is a gymnasium, hydrotherapy rooms, meetings rooms, ice baths and full recovery facilities. There are also hot and cold spas and a 25 metre lap pool.
The gym was specifically built for the Wallabies, who used Coffs Harbour as a base for nine years. Sporting clubs to recently use the facility include Geelong, Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders and Sydney Swans.
Laurie Daley inspects the gym at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
The training fields are set on one side of the Pacific Highway. A two-minute drive through a small tunnel under the highway brings you to the western side of the resort which offers a nine-hole par three golf course, three pools, five tennis courts and a nine-floor, four-star hotel.
A boom gate splits the two sections - meaning training will be private, and away from the media.
One of the swimming pools at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
"We are trying to get an advantage and trying to improve by five to 10 per cent,'' said NSW coach Laurie Daley.
"This is a great venue - it is isolated and will give us the best chance to focus and win games of football.
"We are under no illusions - we are up against a mighty side and will have to be at our best to win.''
Golf course at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
As much as the players enjoyed camp at the Crowne Plaza in Coogee, Daley felt a change was important.
"When we train up here we can train on our own," Daley said. "Everything is in the one venue.
"We are trying to do something a little different. Here we can totally focus on football.''
The conference centre is also impressive.
It offers meeting rooms for the team and a restaurant which overlooks a self-made lake and golf course.
A small, quiet beach, which isn't patrolled, is a six-minute walk from reception.
Team rooms at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
One source close to the NSW camp said: "Coogee was very cosmopolitan. It was hard to leave.
"But we had a five to ten minute walk to Coogee Oval where we trained. Players could be stopped every 20 metres for autographs and photographs.
"Players love the fans but there were a lot of distractions. But in Coffs, everyone will be together and fully focused.''
NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden reiterated why the Blues would be heading out of Sydney.
"This is the best elite training facility in NSW. It makes sense to come here,'' Trodden said.
"The players can avoid distractions and concentrate on their performance.''
Laurie Daley at the team rooms. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia
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