Kurt Gidley says the State of Origin games are the toughest that any player can be involved in. Gidley, who has quickly settled in at Warrington Wolves, is well placed to discuss the State of Origin series, having made 12 appearances for New South Wales, including captaining the region. With the opening match of the 2016 series on the horizon, the 33-year-old was open about just how gruelling taking part in one of Australias most intense sporting rivalries is. Id describe it as the pinnacle in Rugby League, he told Sky Sports. Theyre the toughest games that any player can be involved in, as far as physical and mental toughness goes. Gidley fending off close Queensland attention in State of Origin action Ive represented my country and theyre really tough and physical games as well, but I think that the Origin games that Ive played in have been the most physical and toughest that Ive ever played in.Theres so much at stake, its the highest-rated programme on Australian television every year and people who dont watch rugby league throughout the year watch State of Origin because it is such a big occasion. Aidan Guerra celebrates scoring Queenslands eighth try in State of Origin III last year Sydneys ANZ Stadium will host the opening Test and Gidleys New South Wales will know the importance of starting positively.The 2015 series ended in despair for the Blues as Queensland inflicted a brutal 52-6 hammering of their rivals. However, Gidley doesnt believe that will impact on Wednesdays opener.As a player, theres nothing that you can do the change the past, he said. For me, Im always looking towards my next game, whether Ive lost, drawn or won my previous game.So its almost 12 months between the last game of Origin 2015 and this one, its irrelevant what happened last year now. Gidleys Knights career in the NRL spanned over 15 years With the State of Origin stage being so large and the scrutiny that comes with that, the 33-year-old commented how it takes some time to learn how to handle the external pressures. Queenslands media and New South Wales media are both driving different agendas and trying to find different stories on opposing teams, players and coaches so its a crazy time, explained Gidley.As a young guy, it takes a bit of time to learn just to focus on training and your job in the game, because you dont want to play the game in your head before you do play it. So, that comes with a bit of experience.Once game day arrives and the build-up has come to an end, Gidley knows that every member taking to the field during the 2016 series, and in the years to come, will experience something extremely special and something that theyll never forget.The atmosphere is the biggest thing that most players remember, he said. Whether its in Queensland with 90 per cent of the crowd booing you, or whether youre in New South Wales and there are close to 90,000 people supporting you. State of Origin is one of Australias most intense sporting rivalries The atmospheres are amazing and when you run out for the game, its a feeling that you cant get anywhere else in your life.You train pretty intensely for 10 days in the lead up to it, and every day that you get closer to the game you get more excited. By the time that you run out of the tunnel and you hear the crowd, it is a pretty unrealistic feeling to describe unless youve experienced it.For the Australian, his focus is firmly on Warringtons trip to St Helens on Friday night, as the Wolves have the opportunity to build upon their nine-try victory over Leeds.But, like most, hell have one eye on the 2016 State of Origin opener to see if New South Wales can turn around a difficult 2015 finale and start the 2016 series on a winning note.St Helens v Warrington is live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 7.30pm on Friday night. Also See: State Of Origin 2016 Preview Saints v Wolves: Key battles Rugby League Set of Six Top Super League tries UCLA Bruins Reggie Miller Jersey . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4. 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Pedro scored from a pass by Lionel Messi in the 33rd minute and added two more goals in the 47th and 72nd after Valdes saved his second penalty in four days following his stop in Wednesdays 4-0 over Ajax in the Champions League. CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox are going to put Chris Sale right back on the mound after his suspension ends.Sale will start Thursday against the crosstown Cubs in his first appearance since the ace left-hander was punished by the team for destroying collared throwback uniforms it was scheduled to wear.We understood what happened, but you cant get it back, you cant turn back the clock, third baseman Todd Frazier said before Monday nights game against the North Siders. I know when he gets back here hes going to be ready to go, knowing the person that he is.The 27-year-old Sale was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday night against Detroit and sent home after he cut up an unknown number of jerseys before the game. The 1976-style jerseys were navy and sported unusual collars on a hot and humid night.Manager Robin Ventura said he doesnt think Sale will need to address any issues with his teammates when he returns.Guys have seen a lot of stuff and its about playing, Ventura said. I think theyre about playing and well go with that until something needs to be address. As far as playing, guys are just moving on and playing.The suspension cost Sale $250,000 of his $9.15 milllion salary.dddddddddddd He also was fined about $12,700 -- the cost of the destroyed jerseys -- according to a person familiar with the penalty. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.Sale is 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA this year. There is a possibility he could be traded before the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline, though it would take quite an offer to get the White Sox to move him.Its definitely been a swing of emotions, outfielder Adam Eaton said. We love Sale. We love his competitiveness. We love the way he goes about his business.Ventura also announced that right-hander Anthony Ranaudo, who was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday to take Sales spot on the roster, will start Wednesday against the Cubs. Right-hander Jacob Turner, who allowed four runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings in his last start Friday against Detroit, will move to the bullpen.---AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum and AP freelance reporter Mike Cranston contributed to this report.---Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap Camo China NFL Jerseys Disocunt Football Jerseys Cheap NFL Gear Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Cheap Authentic Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '