On April 22, I wrote in this column: "If Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne promises to bring the same attitude and good form to State of Origin that he is currently displaying for his club, then there is no doubt he should be the fullback for the New South Wales Blues. I will go even further to say, if Jarryd Hayne decides it’s time for New South Wales to win an Origin series, he is more than capable of making it happen. That is how influential he can be when he puts his mind to the task".

Hayne was born on February 15, 1988 in Sydney. He is now 26, and has compiled a long list of achievements and representative honours on his resume, dating right back to 2003 when he was first selected for the Australian Schoolboys under-15s merit squad, from Westfield Sports High School. But regardless of what has gone before him, Hayne's career to date has simply been the preparation for what I believe is his destiny; to inspire and execute a State of Origin series victory for the NSW Blues. No better time than right now. His time has come. Tonight's the night.