Sharks legend Michael Ennis still remembers the whispers he heard around the Shire a decade ago about a couple of brothers coming through the system, and it’s why he’s tipping Blayke Brailey to turn the game on its head when he makes his Origin debut.

Ennis was at Accor Stadium on Monday morning – the venue for Wednesday’s Origin opener – with the former NSW Blues hooker teaming up with DrinkWise to remind fans to be respectful and to drink in moderation on the big night with a new campaign supported by the NSW government, NSW police force, the NRL and support services.

“It’s a great initiative,” the eight-game Blues star said.

“It was great as a player to experience State of Origin, but now as a fan and as a parent, when you’re sitting in that atmosphere you want it to be remembered for all the good moments on the field and to be able to share those good moments as a fan off the field.

“Whether they’re at home or at pubs and clubs or at Accor Stadium, we want to encourage people who have a drink to do it in moderation, enjoy the night, enjoy the experience and have respect for everyone around them.

“That way everyone walks away hopefully with a great NSW win and memories.”

Ennis is hoping to enjoy a quite beer or two if the Blues win on Wednesday, with Brailey looming as the state’s X-factor off the bench where he’ll provide an attacking spark around the ruck.

“I haven’t spoken to Blayke leading into it, but I’m so happy for him,” the 2016 Sharks premiership winner said.

“Him and his brother Jayden were coming through at the back end of my time at Cronulla, so to see both of the boys playing at the elite level has been brilliant.

“There was always talk around Cronulla of both the boys, but there was definitely some chat when Jayden made his debut that there was another one coming through.

“He was always touted as a very good dummy-half coming through. Cronulla have been a much better team over the past few seasons when he’s been out there running the footy.

“He seems to have found that self-belief in his game and understands the importance of his role in the team.

“From those early years of just servicing the others in the team, he’s taken it upon himself to be a real focal point of their attack. When he’s done that, they’ve been able to get deep into finals series.”

Ennis isn’t sure how Blues coach Laurie Daley will use Brailey off the bench, but is confident he can have an influence if he comes on for starting dummy-half Reece Robson when fatigue settles in late in the first half.

The selection is thoroughly deserved after the Sharks No. 9 was part of last year’s Ashes tour where Brailey learnt plenty from Queensland counterpart Harry Grant.

“For Blayke to be able to get the recognition he deserved last year to tour with the Kangaroos and to now force his way into a State of Origin team is great,” Ennis said.

“That rotation off the bench with Reece Robson is going to be a huge strength of NSW’s this entire series.

“Reece has got that club combination with James Tedesco, but with where we’re seeing the game at the moment, to have that attacking threat of Brailey through the mid part of the game when fatigue really starts to settle in will be a huge asset.

“It can really take a hold of you in State of Origin and can hit you like a tonne of bricks, particularly the first game of the series and with wet conditions in Sydney. Blayke’s speed and his ability to change direction in the middle of the field could be a real strength for NSW.”

Originally published as ‘Hit you like a tonne of bricks’: NSW great backs Blayke Brailey to rip through Queensland’s ruck