What was said in ugly post-mortem after NSW Blues’ horror showing in State of Origin decider

The Blues were left shattered and stunned in the wake of their horror loss in the Origin decider, prompting an unscripted honesty session in the dressing room in which the players apologised to the coaching staff.

In an unscripted aftermath, gutted NSW players gathered together in a despondent dressing room to declare: “We’re sorry – we let down the state, ourselves and the coaching staff.”

Blues stars were left stunned at losing a State of Origin decider in Sydney on Wednesday night with skipper Isaah Yeo feeling compelled to openly addressing the inept performance post-game.

This masthead has been told NSW coach Laurie Daley and NSWRL chief executive David Trodden also spoke during an honesty session moments after NSW’s 24-12 loss.

“We spoke when we first came into the sheds, we addressed it as a playing group,” said NSW forward Liam Martin.

“The skipper (Yeo) spoke on behalf of the playing group, Laurie and a couple of others addressed it, ‘Troddo’ (Trodden), and we basically apologised to the coaching staff.

“We felt like we let down the coaching staff, they deserved so much more. There is no-one else to blame but us. We didn’t perform and it’s really disappointing.

Isaah Yeo spoke on behalf of the playing group. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“They went over and above this whole campaign. Our preparation was faultless. We are only scratching the surface about what this group can do. Hopefully we can stick together and get a chance to redeem ourselves.

“Just stick with us. We’re feeling this just as much as (the critics). We just want to make it up to them. The slow start again (hurt us). That’s two games in a row – you don’t win it in the first half but you can certainly lose it.”

NSW prop Max King said the apology was far-reaching.

“You feel like you’ve let your state down, you’ve let yourself down and let down the coaching staff,” King said. “We feel apologetic.

It was a dark night for NSW. Picture: NRL Photos

“You want to repay the faith they have shown in and for investing in a ten-day camp so it’s disappointing.”

NSW was behind 20-0 at halftime in a performance which lacked creativity and enthusiasm. Many claim Blues players simply didn’t show up for such a massive occasion.

Multiple NSW stars failed to nail the big moments and were behind by 20 points at halftime in Sydney and Perth.

“It’s all on us, the playing group,” said Blues centre Stephen Crichton said. “We let ourselves down and the coaching staff. It’s a tough one to swallow.

“With the game that we play, I feel you have to accept (criticism). You’re not going to win them all. Things didn’t go our way. We will take it and go again. Everything happened so fast.”

NSW players were left stunned at Accor Stadium. Picture: NRL Photos

NSW winger Brian To’o was also accepting of criticism.

“Criticism is part of the journey. It’s part of life and will only make us better,” To’o said. “You’re going to win some and lose some. I turn losses into lessons.

“Everyone has an opinion. We have to come back stronger next year and hopefully prove them wrong.

“Queensland came to perform and the best team won. There were important moments throughout the game where Queensland delivered.”

To’o, who battled a knee injury, added: “I always trust myself to play and back my instincts. I never say never unless I have a broken leg but I’m battered and bruised.”

Originally published as What was said in ugly post-mortem after NSW Blues’ horror showing in State of Origin decider