Matty Johns: The Maroons’ State of Origin blunder they will never live down

The Maroons have had their courage questioned in a way no other Queensland side have before, writes MATTY JOHNS, which is why NSW would be foolish to not expect a fight in Origin II.

Desperation and desire are the biggest factors which will decide State of Origin II.

For NSW, 1-0 up in the series, victory is not critical.

So can the Blues match the fire and energy of a team fighting for survival? A Queensland side who have been hammered publicly and put on notice by their own coach, sacking their iconic skipper mid-series? It’s almost unheard of.

Billy Slater is telling his players no one is safe.

This is a team who haven’t just been criticised, they’ve had their courage questioned in a way no other Queensland side have before.

Maroons coach Billy Slater (R) has put his entire squad on notice with the appointment of a new captain in Cameron Munster (L). Picture Lachie Millard

MAROONS’ FOLKLORE FAUX PAS

For as long as Origin will be played, NSW fans will remind Queenslanders of the night their team kicked off away from Spencer Leniu.

The Sunshine State picked the fight, Spencer turned up, but the Queensland team didn’t.

They would later explain their reasons and made valid points. But sometimes the smart play isn’t the right play.

I guarantee in Perth, when Blues enforcer Spencer Leniu stands in kick-off position, the ball will be sent directly into his arms.

The Maroons must not dodge Spencer Leniu again. Picture: Adam Head

BEWARE BLUES OF EARLY FRENZY

If game one was viewed as a rather tame affair by Origin standards, then game two will make up for it. Queensland will be in a frenzy and the Blues better be ready.

Queensland will base their game on physicality and brutality because they know if this fixture turns into a fast, open, attacking shootout, the Blues will wrap up the series convincingly.

Optus Stadium in Perth is the perfect venue for the Blues.

The surface is fast and dry, it allows you to play the type of football you see on a beautiful Sunday afternoon; sideline to sideline if you wish, advantage to the attacking playmakers.

In the two previous State of Origin matches in Perth, NSW have smashed Queensland 38-6 and 44-12.

In both matches, the Maroons were unable to contain the Blues’ ball movement, players like Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell were given time and space to toy with their opponents.

This Blues team has the capability of inflicting even more hurt.

INSIDE QUEENSLAND’S SPOILING TACTICS

So the Maroons will be determined to dictate the terms of this contest, and make it a tough, gritty, physical affair.

Queensland will exert enormous pressure on the referee. They’ll lie in the ruck, stand a metre offside, rush the playmakers, fight, scratch, claw.

The Maroons will try and entice the Blues into a middle-field grind.

The Blues must expect an ambush from Queensland in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

Matching Queensland physically is essential, but coach Laurie Daley’s men have to play smart.

When the Maroons have possession, be happy to engage in the centrefield fight. But in attack, move the football around, don’t allow Queensland to gang tackle, get it wide and force them to defend one-on-one.

Later in the game, as the Maroons big men start to fatigue, alter the tactics and suddenly start blasting through the middle.

SLATER’S SPINE SHAKE-UP

The selection of Tom Dearden at halfback says a lot about what Slater is after.

Dearden can’t compete with Nathan Cleary as far as playmaking brilliance but he’s all heart.

Dearden will be everywhere, he’s impossible to discourage and is as game as Ned Kelly.

As far as attacking brilliance, Slater needs a big game from Kalyn Ponga, so expect him to play a lot of first receiver.

Slater is prodding Cameron Munster by giving the champion No.6 the captaincy.

Will the captaincy see Cameron Munster lift for the Maroons? Picture: Getty Images

Munster’s game-one performance was the quietest in his remarkable Origin career. He’ll be up for this.

As will hooker Harry Grant.

Grant is the Blues’ primary danger. If Queensland gain superiority in play-the-ball speed, the Storm dummy half will tear holes in NSW’s middle and the defence will fall apart.

I am predicting one of the great Origin matches. The opening page of the script sets the scene perfectly.

NSW unbeatable on paper, Queensland given little chance.

I’ve seen this film before.

Originally published as Matty Johns: The Maroons’ State of Origin blunder they will never live down