State of Origin 2017: NSW prop Andrew Fifita warns Queensland he’ll run harder in game two

ANDREW Fifita says he “should’ve run harder” in Origin I and Queensland were in for a rude shock if they plan to target him at ANZ Stadium.

Andrew Fifita won’t let up on Queensland. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

HE’S largely responsible for the most amount of changes to a Queensland side in 11 years.

But that’s not the only reason why NSW tearaway Andrew Fifita spent the majority of Tuesday smiling.

In a staggering admission, Fifita has declared that after watching a replay of his Origin I demolition, he “should’ve run harder” — and that Queensland were in for a rude shock if they plan to target him at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday night.

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Andrew Fifita models his Blatchys Blues wigs during the NSW Blues team photo at The Star. Picture: Mark Evans

Back inside the NSW camp for the first time since his career-best performance, Fifita watched a replay of the Origin I victory during a team meeting at The Star.

“We just watched the video review and I just sat there shaking my head,’’ Fifita said.

“To see where I went wrong, those little things I did wrong, there’s plenty of room for improvement.

“Some of my runs were a bit lucky.

“If I pushed harder in support with Pearcey (Mitchell Pearce), maybe I could’ve broken the line a bit more.

NSW prop Andrew Fifita is not concerned about being a target for Queensland. Picture: AAP

“But I wasn’t pushing as hard and so when he gave me the ball, I got my head through the defensive line, but didn’t get all the way through.

“I’ve just looked at the little things to see what could’ve been, if I had been running a lot harder.’’

Fifita was impossible to handle in Origin I, running for 168 metres, while also producing seven tackle busts, two offloads, a try assist and four-pointer of his own in the 28-4 victory.

Up north, Queensland coach Kevin Walters has overhauled his pack, sacking Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Aidan Guerra and Jacob Lillyman in a desperate bid to halt Fifita and his fellow Blues forwards.

Andrew Fifita runs amok against Queensland in game one. Picture: AAP

Walters’s seven changes are the most for a Maroon side since 2006.

Despite his shock selection, Maroons debutant Tim Glasby is a major part of stifling the 124kg NSW prop’s fast-paced play-the-balls.

Glasby has been identified by NSW coach Laurie Daley as “one of Melbourne’s best wrestlers”, which is exactly what he’ll be asked by Walters to perform on Fifita.

However, the premiership-winning Sharks forward said the Queenslanders should think twice about placing him at the top of their game plan.

Blues big boppers Andrew Fifita, David Klemmer and Aaron Woods model their fan wigs. Picture: Brett Costello

“I know they’re going to be after me this game,’’ Fifita said. “But they can’t focus on me too much, I’m just a front-rower.

“Everyone knows the halves are the main ones to go for and the hooker, who control the ship.

“I think I can play a part in that when it comes to big moments, I know I can take a toll on them.’’