NSW must end their dreadful record in Origin deciders
In 40 years of State of Origin, 19 series have gone down to the final game. And if NSW are feeling nervous ahead of this week’s decider, these are the images that will give them nightmares.
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THESE are the 15 gut-wrenching images that will send a shudder through the state of NSW.
A not-so-subtle reminder of the Blues’ horrid record when it comes to series-deciding game three matches.
On the 19 occasions in Origin’s 40-year history where the series has gone into a game three decider, NSW have left without the shield 15 times.
Queensland have won 13 game three deciders, NSW just four. The Maroons even claimed the shield in the two drawn encounters because they were reigning champions.
Which is why on Wednesday night, despite going into the match as the shortest-priced favourites in 15 years, the Blues will be wary of a depleted Queensland team that know how to get it done with it all on the line.
“You learn to win and you get used to it and you get better at it,” NSW coach Brad Fittler said about the Maroons’ success in deciders.
Another warning for the Blues, who haven’t won a series decider in 14 years.
The Maroons have won the past seven series when they’ve gone to a third game.
“Queensland has had some really good footy teams,” Fittler said, well aware of the Blues’ poor record.
“They kept winning those games and their footy team got better and better.
“There were seven through that period when they won all those series. That’s a big chunk. I’m gathering there was a lot at the start of Origin as well.”
These images of cocky Queensland holding the State of Origin shield aloft will drive NSW’s quest for victory on Wednesday night.
It will also serve as a warning about any complacency that threatened to infiltrate the NSW camp after the Blues humbled the Maroons 38-6 in game two at Perth.
“It was hard not to walk away from Perth happy with what happened on the field,” Fittler said.
“It was pretty impressive and sometimes you’ve got to give a little bit of credit.”
Still, even Fittler is taking a cautious approach to the decider.
“It’s all a mystery until about 10.30 on Wednesday night. I haven’t felt like there’s been a drop in intensity,” he said.
“If anything I have felt they think there is a really good opportunity here.
“With a doubt Queensland will be better. It will be a lot tighter but we can’t worry about how hard they come. We’ve just got to make sure we have every answer and then we can come back with our own.”
A near all-blue crowd of 82,5000 is ready to roar NSW home in this year’s decider ANZ Stadium.
NSW are $1.38 TAB favourites with Queensland rated $3.10 outsiders.
The Maroons were shaken and rattled after Perth, a team that had never experienced such a horror loss.
“Queensland will come with everything,” NSW fullback James Tedesco said.
Blues skipper Boyd Cordner added: “We need to stay hungry. State of Origin is the best of three.”
The Blues seemingly have Queensland at their mercy after Perth but know the Maroons will hit back with ferocity in Sydney.
“It’s all on the line in game three — that is what Origin is all about,” NSW assistant coach Danny Buderus said.
“This will be a whole new challenge, a whole new preparation. We have to improve in different areas. Both teams will have different preparations.”
Fittler added: “They will work hard for each other. Things will happen differently. We just have to make sure we make it positive.
“If everyone does their job and they work together well, we feel that is a strong way to lay the game.”
Originally published as NSW must end their dreadful record in Origin deciders
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