Sterling has replaced Bob Fulton as coach Laurie Daley's right-hand man, becoming a valuable sounding board for selection and tactical matters. The Parramatta great is part of a revamped Blues brains trust that includes new assistant coach John Cartwright and Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson, who will become assistant team manager.

The Blues have struggled to field a consistent halves pairing during a horror streak that has resulted in the Maroons winning 10 of the last 11 series. Pearce has been a mainstay throughout that period, although his Australia Day antics cost him his place in the side this year. In his absence, Adam Reynolds has slotted into the No.7 jersey, although injury in game three gave Matt Moylan a chance to join James Maloney in the halves.

Pearce has been an easy target because of his unsuccessful record at Origin level, but Sterling believes he still has plenty to offer in the interstate arena.

"I've got no doubt he has," Sterling said. "Mitchell, if he can get everything in order as he needs to do, I think he's up there with the best halfback in NSW.

"I would like to he will come into reckoning, no doubt about that. It's determined by how he starts the season off.

"Someone like Matt Moylan will be a huge consideration there, I don't know where Penrith [coach Anthony Griffin] will play him. You'd think he will start at fullback but we saw what he's capable of in the halves last year at times.

"Certainly Mitchell Pearce will be close to the top of the list when you're looking at halves but there's a lot of footy to be played before then.

"To some degree that's why I've been brought in, I watch every player in every game every weekend have see every Origin ever played.

"I'd like to think I could have some good input there as to how we go in the halves and in other areas as well."

NSW will be seeking a new skipper after Paul Gallen retired from Origin football to concentrate on his club commitments. Sterling said Pearce would be a contender should he reclaim his place in the side.

"I haven't had a close look at that," Sterling said. "A guy like Aaron Woods is captain of his club and there are a few others like that in there, like Moylan. There will be a number of players [in contention]. Mitchell Pearce, if he is in the side, would be capable of doing so.

"In terms of leadership, we want the group coming through to take hold of Origin and become leaders within the process. They need to come in, grab it and take it with both hands. Whether they have the 'c' next to their names is in some ways irrelevant. We want them to come in and be leaders.

"There's no doubt that Jake Trbojevic​ is a future leader. We want that shown on the training paddock, in preparation, in how they interact with other players there. This is a good opportunity for them to take some control within the guidelines.

"Captaincy is a huge honour but we want them all to be leaders in their own way.

"That's an important part of being an Origin player."

Daley has already begun the process of generational change, blooding a raft of debutants in the 2016 series. Sterling predicts there will be more changes yet as a host of youngsters push their claims for higher honours.

"No doubt about that," Sterling said.

"One thing Laurie has done well during his tenure is bring these players through. While he has copped some criticism for not pushing them in when everyone wanted – and someone like Bryce Cartwright is a good example – Laurie always puts the welfare of the player first and foremost.

"That's admirable because while he become a great Origin player himself, he was conscious that when he was introduced he wasn't ready.

"A lot of those players have been around Origin camps in recent years that are now ready to take the next step."