Queensland players have embraced the motivational message delivered by New York firefighter James Dowdell as they prepare to band together as one in State of Origin battle.
Dowdell, who became a New York Fire Department (FDNY) lieutenant on what would have been his father's 70th birthday, was invited by coach Billy Slater to speak to the players in camp on Saturday about his experiences.
James turned 17 the day before his father, Lieutenant Kevin Dowdell of Rescue 4, died in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.
Kevin Dowdell was one of 343 firefighters to lose their lives assisting others on that fateful day.
The unity and resilience of the FDNY came to the fore during and after the 9/11 terror attacks.
