Maroons run scared in Newcastle as Blues chase whitewash in Game 3 of State of Origin
While the Blues are chasing the first Origin whitewash in two decades, Queensland and their coach Tahnee Norris have opted to shut up shop ahead of Game 3 in Newcastle.
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NSW have already won the series but they’ve got the edge off the field too ahead of Thursday night’s women’s State of Origin dead rubber in Newcastle.
Two games down in the series, Maroons coach Tahnee Norris opted not to face media in a traditional captain’s run press conference on Wednesday, while Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw was also switched out late.
Five-eighth Tarryn Aiken was instead forced to front media in Newcastle to face questions about positional changes and game plans – a stark contrast to the Blues who earlier in the day made coach John Strange and captain Isabelle Kelly available ahead of what they hope will be the first Origin whitewash in two decades.
Strange, who is in his first season as Blues coach, has been a revelation for the side across the first two games which have seen NSW outscore Queensland 58-18.
Knights halfback and local hero Jesse Southwell has been key.
At 20, Strange says she hasn’t yet reached her potential but she’s on her way.
“She’s learnt a lot in this block from the coaching staff to all the players, they’re learning off each other but she’s really opened up to that,” he said on Wednesday.
“The running game, her footwork is great, passing skills are brilliant and she’s got a really good kicking game.
“It’s a testament to her how she’s actually connected to the girls around her.
“There’s no use being a brilliant No.7 if you don’t have a connection with all the players so that’s something she’s worked really hard on, which makes me excited for her.
“She’s got a really high ceiling and she’s not there yet which is exciting for the women’s game.”
Clear conditions in Newcastle could be in her favour, especially after the quagmire of Allianz Stadium in torrential rain in Game 2.
“There’s definitely some variations with the conditions, we had to bring things in a little bit in game two in the way we attacked in good ball,” Strange said.
“Just had to tighten things up a little bit because of the conditions but we still wanted to be positive with how we played and the girls were outstanding.
“There’ll be some slight variations in the way we do things if conditions stay like this, and hopefully they do. It’ll be a good product and both teams will play really good footy.”
The Maroons have made several changes for Thursday night including Brigginshaw moved to lock, Lauren Brown at halfback and Hayley Maddick at fullback for the injured Tamika Upton.
“A big thing is our defence but working on building pressure with our attack, finishing our sets a bit better once we’re in good ball and executing a bit better,” Upton said.
“It’s our aim to win the game tomorrow night, we’re playing for a lot of pride and passion in the Queensland jersey and we’ve been focusing on a few things at training.
“I’ve played a lot of footy with Loz at No.9 but for her to be able to move into the halves is really exciting for her, she had a really good season last year at No.7.”
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Originally published as Maroons run scared in Newcastle as Blues chase whitewash in Game 3 of State of Origin
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