Darren Lockyer column: Queensland can’t panic, minor changes can save the series

MASS changes helped Queensland save the series last year. But this time, only some minor, strategic tweaks are required, writes Darren Lockyer.

Joe Ofahengaue should be strongly considered for an Origin debut.

MASS changes helped Queensland save the series last year. But this time, only some minor, strategic tweaks are required.

There is certainly no panic in the wake of NSW’s Origin I victory, but it would be negligent for Queensland not to heed the lessons of a defeat that laid bare some defensive and midfield deficiencies.

While there were seven changes for Queensland’s Origin II side last year, the effort in the MCG opener last Wednesday night suggests the Maroons can benefit from less turbulence.

One or two changes in the right areas will make a difference.

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Darren Lockyer believes the Maroons only need minor tweaks to save the series.

Queensland did lack some authority in their pack last Wednesday, and I’m sure the starting props, Dylan Napa and Jarrod Wallace, would be feeling they could have done more.

But that’s what Origin level is about – responding when it counts.

The next fortnight will be a crucial period for all Queensland players, including those on the periphery hoping to force their way in for Origin II.

Cowboys enforcer Matt Scott is sure to be discussed.

He has never let Queensland down, and Melbourne’s Tim Glasby is not out of the reckoning. He did a fine job for Queensland last year and has the benefits of being in a good system at Melbourne, an important consideration given some of the poor defensive reads that allowed NSW to build pressure.

Joe Ofahengaue should be strongly considered for an Origin debut.

Another contender is Broncos prop Joe Ofahengaue, who is a big body at 114kg and has the engine to handle big minutes in Origin.

Queensland showed plenty of heart at the MCG, but the most concerning part was the defensive misses. We can’t just expect it to easily correct itself with words.

Defence is attitude, and when you miss 51 tackles, that is an indication that the issue is bigger than just the composition of the team.

Some individuals will need an attitude change towards their defence.

By losing control of the midfield, it put Queensland’s edges under pressure and the resulting fatigue led to missed tackles.

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That provided the latitude for the speed of NSW hooker Damien Cook to ignite the Blues, which allowed James Tedesco to become the most dangerous player on the field.

New skipper Greg Inglis was outstanding in his debut as Queensland captain, and he tried to inspire the team with his aggression in defence and rampaging runs.

Andrew McCullough, who amassed 50 tackles in 61 minutes, was also a fine performer.

What I liked most about his performance was the constant kick pressure he applied throughout the night.

Those are the “one percent” plays. Origin games are won and lost on these and I felt NSW worked harder than Queensland in the one percent areas.

I would also like to see more penetration from Ben Hunt, Queensland’s chief playmaker, in Origin II.

Hunt played with some control in his game, but he also needs to take a leaf from Cameron Munster’s book and back himself to run the ball more.

Queensland’s points in Origin I came from a kick and an intercept.

Hunt produced some nice passes and a deft kick for Dane Gagai’s try, but he didn’t have the mindset to play direct and go to the line. Running the ball is the strongest facet of his game.

We can’t undersell the absence of Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk. But the Maroons must move forward and cultivate new leaders at this level.

It’s backs to the wall for Queensland. This is the situation we relish.

With an attitude shift and a sense of solidarity, the Maroons can square the series and force another Suncorp decider.

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