State of Origin game 2: Blues inspired by Phil Gould’s inspirational pre-match speech

QUEENSLAND viewers weren’t too happy with his obvious bias for NSW but NSW’s most successful Origin coach Phil Gould helped inspire the Baby Blues to one of the state’s greatest series victories.

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A stirring pre-game speech from NSW’s most successful Origin coach Phil Gould helped inspire the Baby Blues to one of the state’s greatest Origin victories.

Coach Brad Fittler has revealed the role his old mentor played when he addressed the team at Sydney Olympic Park’s Pullman Hotel and handed out the jerseys on the night before the game.

Fittler and Gould go way back.

“Gus was awesome,” Fittler said. “He had a big affect, effect on the players.

“He told them what it would mean in their lives in 20 years’ time.

“How they would look back at this moment and the effect it would have on their lives.”

Blues’ debutant front-rower Matt Prior told The Daily Telegraph he got ‘goosebumps’ as the players sat and listened to the Channel 9 commentator, who upset Queensland viewers during the broadcast with his obvious leaning towards NSW.

The Blues were stirred by Gus’s words. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“He spoke about the memories we could create,” Prior said, “In 20 years’ time where we would be and looking back and the history that we are so lucky to have the chance to create.

“There were a few goose bumps when he talked because he is such a great speaker. He was inspiration. He spoke about the hard moments when your mates are going to be with you and they won’t let you down.

“That’s what it was all about. Not letting your teammate down.”

Maroons fans aren’t so happy however. (Gregg Porteous)

Fittler also revealed how he had called on Gould throughout the Origin campaign.

The pair go way back to Fittler’s teenage days as a boom rookie at the Penrith Panthers in the 80s.

“For me he’s been unbelievable,” Fittler said, “At the important times I always spoke to him.

“It might be a text or a phone call. On players, tactics, just an all-round sounding board and whenever I’ve needed it.”

While Gould provided the old-school knowledge, it was Fittler who introduced some more contemporary training methods to prepare the Blues for only their second series win in 13 years.

With 12 rookies in the side, Fittler organised pre-breakfast yoga sessions, banned mobile phones and introduced barefoot training to “absorb the earth’s minerals.”

And not one player complained.

Five-eighth James Maloney said Fittler had been outstanding in providing the formula.

“He’s very different but he’s very successful,” Maloney said, “We took on board everything he wanted and it worked out well for us.”

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Originally published as State of Origin game 2: Blues inspired by Phil Gould’s inspirational pre-match speech