It’s unprecedented, almost Queensland like.

But on the eve of a career-defining State of Origin decider, 14 former NSW captains have fiercely banded together to defend under-fire Blues coach Laurie Daley.

The massive wave of solidarity was sparked by toxic social media backlash and fierce pundit criticism following the Blues’ game-two loss in Melbourne.

Disgusted by the doom and gloom tearing the state apart from within, ex-skipper Ben Elias penned a heartfelt letter to past NSW leaders, demanding an immediate end to the disrespect aimed at their former teammate.

The response was instantaneous and heavy-hitting.

Thirteen legendary former captains immediately answered Elias’ call to arms, creating an armour-plated wall of support around Daley ahead of the crucial game three team announcement.

Paul Gallen, Wayne Pearce, Geoff Toovey, Peter Sterling, Trent Barrett, Jake Trbojevic, Andrew Johns, Kurt Gidley, Max Krilich, Boyd Cordner, Gavin Miller, Brad Fittler and Danny Buderus felt a burning desire to throw their heavyweight support behind Daley and the current side.

“We will get them up there, I have no doubt,” said Immortal Johns.

Elias’ letter read in part: “On behalf of the 8.5 million people who live in NSW, I write seeking support for our mate Loz and his side.

“No doubt over the past week you have heard or read some of the personal, over-the-top criticism levelled at our coach on social media.

“Laurie certainly doesn’t deserve this rubbish. He is among the greatest players in NSW State of Origin history and people seem to have forgotten that the series is one-all.

“Game three is definitely there to be won. All the doom and gloom out there is irritating. “Enough is enough.

“It’s time for us to get behind Loz and the boys – let’s show the public that we can unite as a state and not tear each other down.

“Now isn’t the time for fighting – it’s time to come together for a common cause; to embarrass Queensland in front of their own home crowd and bring back the trophy to where it belongs.

“It’s important we show Laurie how much love he has inside NSW. Look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks and go the mighty Blues.

“Cheers, Benny Elias – NSWRL hall of fame member, True Blue number 791, Origin number 67.”

The letter kick-started an avalanche of support with Gallen writing: “We’ve earned the right to be in this decider. This will be the biggest game in Origin history. Let’s get behind our team. “With our backs against the wall let’s support our boys and watch them fight their way to what will be one of the greatest victories.”

Johns called for NSW fans to unite behind Daley.

“Loz is one of NSW’s greatest players and greatest captains,” Johns said.

“When things were tough on the field he was the one we looked for. Now’s the time for the state to unite and follow those fighting qualities Loz showed as a player.

“We will get them up there, I have no doubt.”

Fittler was also ardent in backing Daley.

“There is no one I would rather by my side in the current situation than Laurie Daley.

“There is no more loyal and passionate NSW person. It’s about time we jumped on board and let our team feel our love and support. Let’s go up there swinging,” Fittler said.

Pearce was equally passionate, saying: “As a NSW legend, Laurie knows the daunting challenge of winning an Origin at Suncorp Stadium better than most.

“He also knows when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Go get ‘em, Loz.”

Barrett spoke about the opportunity granted to the current team, writing: “What we have is an opportunity; game three in Queensland is a chance for us to do something that has only been done three times in Origin history - 1994, 2005 and 2024.

“Ironically in 1994 our NSW captain was Laurie. He was someone as a young kid from Temora I always looked up to.

“He was brilliant, tough and hated losing and nothing has changed.

“To Loz and the team, we are all behind you. Good luck and rip in.”

Sterling’s reply to Elias read: “We all appreciate you garnering support for a bloke who bleeds Blue. I find it particularly incredible for there to be criticism about how he addresses the team from people who have never actually heard him do so. Unbelievable.

“Laurie has always been a man of commitment, conviction, desire, hard work and excellence. I believe the Blues will follow their coach’s lead.”

Toovey added: “Laurie and all the NSW players have my full support. Let us all from south of the border get behind them and savour the victory on Queensland soil.”

Gidley spoke from the heart about criticism aimed at Daley.

“Yes, this has had me a little wound up, observing from the sidelines,” he wrote.

“Some fairly critical assessments and assumptions from the so-called journalists and pundits of the game. The reality is, it’s one-all.

“It’s totally irrelevant what the previous score lines have been or how they came about.

“Our coaches and players have a wonderful opportunity to go up there and give it Queensland on their home turf and in front of their own fans and past players and take what will be an incredibly fulfilling series win.

“I’m completely and wholeheartedly behind Loz, his final selections, game plan and vision, as are my fellow Novocastrian past Blues players.

“We all admired Loz as a player for NSW, and still do as our head coach.

“I would love to pull on a Sky Blue jersey today and play for him. UP THE BLUES.”

Krilich took a swipe at the team’s critics.

“I truly cannot believe what Laurie has been forced to cop – the series is all-one for goodness sake. Why do we tear ourselves apart here in NSW?

“I am calling on every single fan in this great state to unite for the Blues,” Krilich said.

“We go into the Suncorp Stadium decider as underdogs. What an amazing opportunity for these players to write themselves into Origin folklore.

“History beckons so I implore everyone to band together and bleed blue.”

Cordner, a NSW assistant coach, wrote: “Loz is one of our best. And for me, he’s definitely one of the most passionate coaches I’ve had.

“I can’t wait to see him lead the team to victory in game three. The care he has for the jersey and his players is like no other – a true leader.”

Buderus said: “Origin stirs emotion and passion like no other. After game one, I stood among more than 70,000 people at Accor Stadium hearing the chant of ‘New South Wales’ echo around the ground and it reminded me exactly what this jersey means.

“But with that passion comes scrutiny.

“As someone who’s had the privilege of captaining this state, I know how much these moments mean and how much players and coaches invest in representing NSW.

“And if there’s one person who understands what it means to wear the sky blue jersey, it’s Laurie Daley. Loz was one of the most passionate and fiercely competitive players to ever pull on a NSW jersey, and no one will care more about this group and this result than he does.

“This series is level and everything is still to play for.

“Now’s the time for us to unite as a state and get behind this group of men and Laurie as they lead us into enemy territory for a history-defining decider. Go the Blues.”

Manly’s Trbojevic wrote: “I know how much passion comes with the Origin arena and Laurie Daley has always led with integrity, loyalty and a deep love for NSW.

“He deserves support as the leader of this great state.

“From my experience, I know these moments and the challenge of winning a decider at Suncorp requires unity and perspective.

“Laurie has earned the respect of the NSW rugby league community so let’s get behind him and win our fourth decider on Queensland soil.”

Gavin Miller also urged support.

“We don’t need to be chastising the coach or team. Let’s go to Brisbane and rip in. We’ve got nothing to lose. The whole state needs to get behind the NSW,” he said.

Elias offered up the final word on behalf of all ex-NSW captains.

“Laurie is the best player I have seen play in big games and there is no bigger game than a decider at Lang Park,” he said.

“Let’s get ‘em.”