Blues to implement Plan B as heavens prepare to open in Perth
NSW coach Brad Fittler has opted for a unique method of training as his side prepare to fight for survival in wet and wild conditions during Game II in Perth.
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NSW have been forced to devise a Plan B in readiness for torrential rain to mar State of Origin II in Perth this Sunday night.
The Blues took the extraordinary step on Wednesday of dunking all their footballs in a black tub of soapy water at training so players could get used to the expected wet and slippery conditions.
Hooker Damien Cook was pulling footballs from the plastic bin before firing passes to teammates. More balls were pushed into the water for the remainder of the training session in Perth.
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It’s all part of Blues coach Brad Fittler’s approach to have all bases covered in the must-win game against Queensland.
“We have spoken about the weather. Everyone realises the weather will be the way it will be for quite a while now,” Fittler said.
On Sunday night NSW will now look to:
^ Play early and employ careful execution;
^ Not throw pressure passes;
^ Kick early;
^ Secure field position;
^ Get back behind the ball early;
^ Resist passing to teammates already in the defensive line;
^ Avoid slipping balls in contact; and
^ Engage their lighter forward pack and quick men with fancy footwork and changes of direction.
NSW advisor Greg Alexander conceded the Blues had prepared two game plans — one for a dry night, the other for wet conditions.
“It’s preparation for whatever conditions we face,” Alexander said. “Depending on the level of rain we get, game plans are adjusted accordingly. Wet weather changes your thinking.”
The Western Australian weather bureau says there is a 100 per cent chance Perth will be hammered with thunderstorms on Sunday, with up to 25mm of rain forecast.
NSW five-eighth James Maloney offered an insight into how his side would alter their tactics.
“It will make execution a little bit harder,” Maloney said. “You have to play that bit earlier and pressure passes have to be few and far between.
The crew try to get their heads around the Blues selection policy for Origin II and ask if it’s a version of the Simpsons “Homermobile” plus Latrell Mitchell’s future and Matty goes to the movies.
“You don’t want to be throwing blokes right into the line and putting them under pressure catching balls, slipping balls in contact.
“A change of direction when it’s slippery under foot can become effective. There are basic principles about wet weather footy that never change.
“You have to be aware of the weather but you still have to play footy. You’re never going to beat Queensland by taking five hit-ups and kicking. You still have to take your options when you get them.”
Asked about training with wet footballs, Maloney said: “To get used to it, I suppose, one of Freddy’s little things. There’s plenty of them.”
NSW skipper Boyd Cordner spoke about preparing for wet and soggy conditions.
“We have trained with the wet balls which will hopefully improve our handling and get us ready to complete high and put Queensland under pressure,” Cordner said.
Fittler spoke after training yesterday about his decision to train with heavy footballs.
“Most players will have their two sets of boots so you hope they’re that professional.
“We have had plenty of rain in Sydney over the couple of weeks so they will adjust. If it’s in the rain, it’s in the rain, it doesn’t matter.”
Blues winger Josh Addo-Carr added: “Origin is really simple in a way. (Former Storm teammate) Ryan Hoffman told me the harder the game, the simpler the game plan.
“Nothing will change. You still have to run hard and tackle hard. That’s all it comes down to in Origin.”