State of Origin 2016: Corey Parker says belief in each other inspired the heroic Queensland defence

AFTER one of the best defensive performances in Origin history Corey Parker says the Maroons’ belief in each other fuelled their against the odds victory.

THE big dry out west is nothing compared to NSW’s State of Origin pointscoring drought.

The Blues are averaging just over 10 points a game in the Laurie Daley era, a statistic which says everything about the brick wall intensity of Queensland’s defence.

The Blues’ four points against Queensland on Wednesday night gave them 102 points from 10 games under Daley.

Unless they improve their attacking potency, the Blues are doomed to keep losing series.

Queensland’s tireless forward Corey Parker, however, senses the current Blues side will again be formidable opposition in the second game at Suncorp Stadium.

“NSW had a hell of a crack,’’ Parker said after Queensland’s 6-4 Game One win.

“We are going to have to be a heck of a lot better going into Game Two. They have a very committed football side. I thought they had a real good mix.’’

Parker tackled well in the middle of the field.

Parker said the Queenslanders were out on their feet in the second half but deep-seated belief in each other proved the key.

“One thing I know with this group is that there is a hell of a lot of belief in times of adversity. You know the guy to the left and right of you will do their jobs.

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“I got told they (NSW) had 78 per cent possession in the second half. Particularly in an Origin game that is unheard of. We wanted to keep turning them away and we did that.

“We have built that culture over a decade and every new member that comes into the side jumps on board. They know no different.

“The guard will change over the next few years and it is their job to keep up the standards. Origin I, particularly, is not won on talent. You just have to dig deep within.

“I am not sure if you saw me but I was on my haunches. It was tough.’’