Queensland needed to make changes to save the series, writes Darren Lockyer

DARREN LOCKYER: Selectors had to make some tough calls for game two and the right call was to inject some fresh blood to this champion Queensland outfit.

Sam Thaiday was dropped for game two of the 2017 series. Pic Peter Wallis

THEY say change is as good as a holiday, but making changes to the Queensland team for Origin II did not feel so luxurious.

A lot of people envisaged changes were inevitable after the Maroons’ performance in Game One, but pulling the trigger is never easy, especially for those who have represented the heart and soul of this Queensland dynasty.

As a member of the selection panel, I will always hold the belief that we must do what is best for the Queensland team.

We had some robust, difficult discussions. We knew there would be pain.

Whether a guy has played one Origin game, or 30, it is never easy to take away their Queensland jumper. The impact is always substantial.

But, ultimately, we had to have the gumption to make some tough calls. The right call was to inject some fresh blood to this champion Queensland outfit.

Sam Thaiday was dropped for game two of the 2017 series. Pic Peter Wallis. Pic Peter Wallis

These changes, Queensland’s most significant for a decade, have not come without some personal heartache.

I played five Origin series with Nate Myles. There is no greater warrior to have worn the Queensland jumper.

I won a premiership at the Broncos with Sam Thaiday. He was one Origin match shy of joining the Maroons’ elite 30-game Statesmen’s Club.

Jacob Lillyman has been a valuable contributor to the most successful era in interstate history. There is no better team man.

Corey Oates and Justin O’Neill may have missed out for Game Two, but at ages 22 and 26 respectively, they have time on their side to fight their way back into the Origin fold.

The temptation is to hold your nerve and back the squad that won the 2016 series to hit back in Game Two this Wednesday night, especially with Johnathan Thurston returning to the fold.

But we were honest. The time for change is now.

The only thing worse than failing to succession plan is failing to seize the opportunity for younger players to pick up good habits from senior champions before their knowledge is lost for good.

Fresh faces, like Valentine Holmes and Coen Hess, will spend this week learning the art of winning Origin games from Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Thurston.

Had we waited another 12 months for a regeneration of the Maroons, that priceless footballing education could have been squandered.

Coen Hess is set to make his Origin debut in game two.

It is important to note that not one single player dropped has been told their Origin career is over. Myles has secured a fresh start at the Melbourne Storm. Thaiday is contracted for next season.

The ball is in their court to fight for an Origin recall.

There is a dual purpose to blooding talent — we feel the young pups can teach the old dogs some new tricks.

This Queensland team has great leadership but Origin I showed NSW played with more energy. It is easy for teams to age quickly and sides that rarely experience change can risk becoming jaded.

Players like Holmes and Hess are not only supreme talents but their enthusiasm and vitality will be healthy for the Maroons. I remember Adam Mogg being handed his maiden Maroons jumper by Mal Meninga in 2006 and the look on his face rubbed off on the entire team.

The excitement and appreciation he brought was infectious.

All successful teams have the right fusion of youth and experience and this Queensland side has the right balance.

We have guys who can get the job done ... and in turn develop the next wave of Maroons superstars.