NSW coach Phil Gould confirmed the worst fears of all Blues supporters - his side wasn't ready for Wednesday night's opening State of Origin game.

Gould, speaking at a press conference at Telstra Stadium, conceded their controversial lead-up had taken a toll.

However, he was confident they would be ready by kick-off.

"The week is just beginning," Gould said.

"We're not ready today. I still have 24 hours to go and those 24 hours are going to be every important.

"We can still get a lot done in that time. I'm hoping we're in good shape tomorrow night.

"I hope they're ready."

NSW preparations spiralled out of controlled after a drunken bonding session which spilled into the early hours of last Wednesday, leading to Mark Gasnier and Anthony Minichiello being sacked and five other players being fined a total of $20,000.

Luke Rooney and Michael De Vere were rushed into the NSW squad as replacements as Queensland - apart from the unavailability of captain Darren Lockyer - enjoyed a relatively smooth build-up.

"I think we have separated the off-field from the on-field," Gould said.

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