Big Mal’s Big Five for Friday: Wade Graham Origin ban was right call

BIG Mal’s Big Five for Friday: The NRL judiciary had no choice but to ban Wade Graham from Origin like they did.

Wade Graham and Tyson Frizell arrive at Coffs Harbour Airport. Picture: Gregg Porteous

BANNED WADE COULD BE A ROO

THE situation surrounding Wade Graham’s suspension was unfortunate, but ultimately, the judiciary had no choice to suspend him like they did.

I felt really sorry for the kid. But the facts of the matter remain — the tackle was careless, it was high and it hit Johnathan Thurston in the head.

How he reacts to this setback is what will define him. Does he kick cans about missing out, or drive himself harder to get back what he’s lost.

I suspect it will be the latter. He is a quality player who will be back for the Blues and one who will certainly come into calculations for the Kangaroos in the months and years ahead.

TYSON ADDS PUNCH

GRAHAM’S selection, and that of his replacement Tyson Frizell, have shown the Blues hand about how they intend to play Origin II — with a more attacking mindset.

Both players are excellent attacking players, capable of slipping a pass in heavy traffic which, as defenders fatigue under the reduced interchange system, make them very potent weapons indeed.

The Blues know they need to have a more attacking mindset to save this series and on a dry track at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night that will suit their plans perfectly.

Wade Graham and Tyson Frizell arrive at Coffs Harbour Airport after Graham was ruled out. Picture: Gregg Porteous

BLUES GET BETTER

ASIDE from the extra attack, I think the Blues as a unit will be much improved from what we saw from them in Origin I.

With so many inexperienced players, just adjusting to the speed of Origin would have been a big ask for them in Game One.

Now with their combinations more settled and a better idea of what to expect they will be a more polished team on Wednesday night.

MAROONS ATTACK

LIKE the Blues, I think the Maroons will be looking for a greater emphasis on attack in Game Two.

The first game of the series always tends to be a grind, especially at ANZ Stadium, which is a difficult surface to play on at the best of times.

Throw in the disrupted preparations surrounding Cooper Cronk’s ankle injury, and the fact Michael Morgan missed most of the game with concussion, and I think the Maroons’ attack missed a bit of spark.

Playing on a fast and firm Suncorp Stadium in front of 52,500 Queenslanders will bring out the best in them.

Michael Morgan suffered a concussion in game one.

SO, WHO WANTS IT?

ORIGIN III will be decided by commitment. It will come down to who wants it more, plain and simple.

These two teams are so close in talent and skill, it really does come down to the mental edge and hunger to make the difference.

For the Blues, it is all or nothing. Lose here and the series is gone. They will be fully focused.

For Queensland, as Kevin Walters said, it is all there to lose.

Can they match the Blues in hunger and desperation to get the job done again?

I can’t wait to watch and see.

Originally published as Big Mal’s Big Five for Friday: Wade Graham Origin ban was right call