BREAKING: Skipper Jake Trbojevic publicly declared the Blues” smarter after past failures” DCE tips Maroons pack to fire up after sledges…
NSW is attempting to steal the State of Origin shield on Queensland’s home field, but they say they have learned from previous mistakes at Suncorp Stadium. The Blues’ core group is assembling for their third Brisbane final in five years as they head into the game on Wednesday night in a remarkably familiar fashion. NSW had the upper hand going into Origin III in both 2020 and 2022 after winning landslide games two and tying the series.
Brad Fittler’s team gave up the first try and had to play from behind late in the game both times the Blues lost the championship game.
Under new coach Michael Michael Maguire, NSW is certain that they know how to do things differently this time. More patience is the most important lesson from the past, with NSW skipper Jake Trbojevic emphasizing possession control.
We’ve learned) that when you’re under pressure … it takes periods of play to get out of it,” Trbojevic said.
“I felt like in 2022 we just tried to go for the miracle. We were throwing long balls, (doing) stupid stuff, whereas it takes periods of play.
“With our kicking game … if we take five-minute periods of play to really focus on field position, that can get us out of trouble. It’s not going to be one big play.”
There are other similarities between the Blues’ losses in 2020 and 2022 that are out of NSW’s control.
James Tedesco’s 2020 concussion left the Blues’ backline all at sea, then Cameron Murray was knocked out in 2022.
NSW do have more versatility on their bench this year, with Connor Watson able to play any role, and the addition of Mitch Barnett giving them cover in the front and back row.
The other key is discipline
Billy Slater stressed that about his Queensland side on Tuesday, given the Maroons were behind 6-0 in the penalty count when they trailed 34-0 at halftime in Origin II.
But the numbers at Suncorp Stadium make for grim reading for the Blues, who have won the penalty count in just nine of 60 Origin matches played in Brisbane.
“You have to be very clean, but you have to be very aggressive,” Danny Buderus, NSW assistant coach in both 2020 and 2022, told AAP.
“You need to make sure there are no ill-discipline areas, or you get pulled up for certain things.
“Looking back, a lot of times we gave away possession easy, or they got it easily, or they got a couple of calls on the back of (poor) discipline.
“And all of a sudden not only do you find yourself in an atmosphere that is hostile, but you’re creating a lot of drama for yourself.
Queensland also have the potential to be a different team to the one they were in 2020 and 2022.
While NSW are likely to rely on a power game through the middle, Queensland’s strike force is out wide as they hunt a third straight series win.
The Maroons are likely to spend periods with Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga both on the field, while Ben Hunt can act as another ball-playing threat.
Queensland’s forwards have been ridiculed and provoked but Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans says that will just inspire them to fire in the State of Origin series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Former NSW firebrand Mark Carroll said the Maroons pack as a collective “wouldn’t scare kids in a creche” after their 38-18 loss in game two at the MCG.
“Those boys will get fired up by what is being said,” Cherry-Evans remarked. “They’re concentrated on what they must accomplish for us, and all those remarks only serve to increase your drive as a player. “I’m sure they’ll consider that and apply it appropriately.”
The Maroons have lost middle forwards Thomas Flegler, Tom Gilbert and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for this series due to injury but the likes of Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter and Pat Carrigan have all done the job in the previous two Origin series wins.
It is not just defence that will define the series result, but that will be a good start
When you have 34 points scored against you in a half of footy you probably should be working on defence, but it is the cycle of the game,” said Maroons coach Billy Slater, while reflecting on game one.
“Attack well … and that helps your defence. We weren’t at our best down in Melbourne. We are the first to admit that and that is what we need to change.”
Former Maroons lock Corey Parker called for a more aggressive mindset from the forwards, asking them to “fire up”.
It is a group effort. Every player must do their assigned duties in this 17-man team game, according to Slater. “In Melbourne, we all failed to meet our targets. We are aware of that. We have to step up to the plate. NSW was excellent. “We want to be the best, and their football standard was far higher than ours down in Melbourne,” the player said.
