Posted June 19, 2017 10:53:37

Photo: Boyd Cordner is attempting to lead the Blues to their first Origin series win since 2014. (AAP: Paul Miller)

New South Wales captain Boyd Cordner says his team is quietly confident it can wrap up the Origin series on Wednesday night, despite the return of two Queensland veterans.

The Blues put one hand on the Origin silverware with an ultra-impressive 28-4 victory in the series opener at Lang Park last month.

NSW are favourites heading into the match at Sydney's Olympic stadium, but Cordner said the return of Maroons stalwarts Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater would make it tough.

"We're under no illusions how big a task it's going to be to try and win here on Wednesday night, but in saying that, we're quietly confident that we can wrap up the series," Cordner said.

Cordner brushed off speculation Thurston would be on one leg, after the Queensland veteran suffered an injury scare at training yesterday.

Thurston went down with a head knock — and holding his knee — during an opposed training session against Queensland Cup side Brisbane Souths Logan.

The 34-year-old has been sidelined for the past five weeks with a shoulder injury.

Cordner said the incident was likely blown out of proportion.

"I don't think it was nothing too major anyway, but, because of the week it is, I think everything comes under a lot more scrutiny — under the microscope," he said.

NSW have lost 10 of the past 11 Origin series, and have not lifted the shield since 2014.

Topics: state-of-origin, sport, rugby-league, nrl, sydney-2000