State of Origin 2018: NSW cannot ease off a Queensland team who always come back stronger
NSW have been here so many times before. Riding high after a winning start, only to come undone against a Queensland team elevated by desperation. Not this time, writes MATTY JOHNS.
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CRITICISM brings energy to a team, as does pressure. It unites a group and steels the individual. Praise on the other hand, softens resolve.
It takes a special person to be able to endure praise and recognition, yet maintain the spirit and energy of the underdog.
In the past 12 Origin Series, New South Wales have lost 11, yet in five of those we have found ourselves up 1-0.
What have we been doing wrong with the series there to be won? Brad Fittler has picked a fresh squad, a team not weighed down by the failures of series past.
But to ignore what has taken place when the Blues have been in this position so many times, is to not have the team totally prepared for what will take place.
Historically, Queensland get better as the series goes on. Numerous times in the last 12 years, the Blues have turned up to game two with the same intensity as game one, only to be ambushed by a Queensland team, elevated by desperation.
Ambush is a strange word to use, because all these NSW sides would have discussed the way the Maroons would look to hit back, yet after even being aware, the intensity of the Queensland assault took the Blues by surprise.
The betting companies have never had the Blues hotter favourites, all of us are buoyed with a feeling that the tide has finally turned. New team, new culture, new beginning.
Meanwhile, the Maroons remain fairly quiet.
They’ve been talking about their injury problems and how they’re, “Up against it”.
Coach Kevin Walters disguises his fire better than anyone I’ve ever seen.
Here in Sydney, we see Kevvie as the jokester and likeable larrikin, but they tell me it’s a different story in the Queensland bunker.
When Kevvie talks to his players about what’s expected when pulling on the Maroon jersey, he wells up and speaks with the type of passion and emotion none of us down these parts get to see from the six-time grand final winner.
There are many things the Blues need to do well to wrap up this series on Sunday night, but the base requirement is that we must, at the very least, match the intensity and desperation that Queensland will take onto ANZ Stadium.
Let’s run the rule over some of the central characters in Sunday’s contest.
GREG INGLIS
The greatest threat to the Blues and not just what he brings as an attacking threat, now that his confidence has returned to maximum. In leadership, Inglis is now carrying a certain aura and spirit that we’ve seen in Queensland greats; Arthur Beetson, Wally Lewis and Cameron Smith. Inglis is the Maroons emotional trigger and the Blues must find a way to minimise his impact.
NATHAN CLEARY
Has admitted that nerves ate away at him leading into game one. But on debut, he was terrific. The MCG, with its oval bearings and extremely slippery conditions is the toughest domain for a playmaker. He showed great composure as always, and it will be even better in game two. He can kick us to victory.
CAMERON MUNSTER
At this moment Munster is in the argument for the best player in the game. His running game and reactionary skills are a huge threat to the Blues.
DAMIEN COOK
Cook is the barometer. If Cook is getting out of dummy-half and creating a threat through the centre field, then we are winning the ruck and yardage battle. The Maroons will tighten around the ruck and marker in game two, so NSW will need to work extremely hard to generate fast play the balls if Cook is to have the same impact as the series opener.
DAVID KLEMMER
It’s imperative that the Blues can match the forward intensity of Queensland early. David Klemmer has been there and done it before. With no Reagan Campbell-Gillard, it’s imperative Klemmer leads the way and has a huge first 25 minutes before he heads to the bench for a spell.
KALYN PONGA
When Ponga takes to the field, the stakes rise. Where will they use him? My guess is they will push Munster into 13, which won’t change Cameron’s floating role one bit, and Ponga will be left side playmaker.
The threat of the Ponga/Munster/Slater combination will be immense. I say the stakes will rise because while they might be slightly weakened defensively, with the football, the danger increases dramatically.
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Originally published as State of Origin 2018: NSW cannot ease off a Queensland team who always come back stronger
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