Wendell Sailor: ‘As a Queenslander, I’m worried’

STATE of Origin is headed back to Queensland for the third and decisive game three. But that in no way equates to an automatic Maroons victory.

Johnathan Thurston and Cam Smith during game 2 of the 2015 State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland at the MCG on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. Picture Gregg Porteous

WHETHER you love or hate Paul Gallen, he is great for Origin football.

Everyone was being so nicey nicey in the lead up to game two and he lit the fuse with Tuesday’s press conference. And when he lit that fuse, what he was saying to his mates was, “I’m going to let you follow me.”

The Blues spoke about not letting Queensland bully them or be “outgrubbed” by playing dirty, and they took it to Queensland.

You could see the intensity when NSW ran out on the field. They had more confidence because Gallen was in that side. Game one was lacking that intensity but on Wednesday night, the whole theatre of State of Origin was on show for that huge Melbourne crowd. The Blues came to play and that’s what happens when the series is on the line. They had so much to lose.

Another key difference with the NSW side we saw on Wednesday night is they got their bench right. Trent Merrin had to be used earlier in game one and he was used earlier in game two and his impact was great. And David Klemmer and Boyd Cordner both did such a good job.

Starting prop Aaron Woods has gone to a whole new level as well. People talk about Jesse Bromwich and Matt Scott as world-class forwards, but Woods is in that company. He can break the line, his offloads are good for a big man and he just doesn’t take any crap. That’s what you need.

Michael Jennings was outstanding, too. Everything he did had class about it.

Paul Gallen is what State of Origin is all about.

As a Queenslander, I’m worried. If we lose this one, that’s two series wins in a row for NSW and they’ve blooded a number of young players over the past couple of years. Now it’s time for Queensland to start blooding ours. I know we’re loyal, but I’d love to see Dylan Napa in the fray for game three and unleashed against a guy like Klemmer.

I really feel for Daly Cherry-Evans. I’m not saying that if Cooper Cronk plays, Queensland win, but that familiarity that Cooper has with the players is crucial. Cherry-Evans was trying but you could just see the Queensland side has become so accustomed to playing a certain type of football with Cooper Cronk that it’s become a really tough assignment for DCE.

Will Chambers, after really good performance in game one, had a number of missed tackles, didn’t carry the ball enough. He’ll bounce back but that’s what Origin can do to do a player.

As for the Greg Inglis call, I can understand why they called it a no try. Queensland have had their fair share of calls go their way over the years and I’m glad Mal Meninga didn’t use it as an excuse after the game. I know it was a turning point but the refs got that one right.

NSW will come to Queensland in a few weeks so confident they can retain their shield.

The confidence I saw in NSW on Wednesday night — from start to finish — makes me nervous as a Queenslander.

I’ve got all the belief in the world that Queensland can get the job done up here, but just because it’s at Suncorp Stadium doesn’t give them an automatic victory.

Those Blues would love nothing more to come up here and beat the Maroons in our own backyard.