In all the early post game reviews of the first Origin match, there appears to be one common theme – the NSW rookies will be better for the run. Phil Gould said the Maroons did everything required of them, that the young Blues side had been ‘out-Origined’ by an experienced opponent.

The baby Blues must be credited for dominating the opening exchanges.

When Robbie Farah put Jarryd Hayne away down the left touchline, it seemed like it might just be their night. But the video refs (Harrigan and Mander) had other ideas.

From that point on the Maroons defensive line had few questions asked of them. Both of the Blues second half tries were scored via deflected kicks. The only NSW player who seemed able to spark something in attack was Craig Wing.

His introduction with 30 minutes to play appeared to be just the tonic the Blues needed, as the Maroons were immediately on the back foot.

But overall, the absence of any creativity from the NSW halves especially, was a noticeable feature of the match.

It’s fair to say there were no two players under greater pressure than Terry Campese and Peter Wallace. The pair were given the enormous task of guiding an inexperienced side around the paddock.

Nevertheless, the forwards appeared willing and able to provide the platform. Dragons Justin Poore and Ben Creagh showed they have a future in sky blue, while Luke O’Donnell worked tirelessly from go to woe.

Campese failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck, as he does so often in orchestrating Raiders’ victories. Wallace seemed to lack vision, as a coach he’d be advised to improve his assessment of the play before he receives the ball.

Where good players (like his opposite Thurston) are always one step ahead of the play, the Broncos half’s play seems too rehearsed.

In their defence, any new combination should be given time to develop. But with NSW having lost three series in a row, and now game one in 2009, time is not a luxury the Blues have.

In commentary, Gould and company were quick to sing the baby Blues’ praises when they were still in the match with 10 minutes to go. But the fact remains, Queensland’s back three were rarely tested under the high ball.

In general, the NSW kicking game left a lot to be desired.

There is no doubting the star-studded Queensland side is a tough nut to crack.

In defence, Cameron Smith and Dallas Johnson get through a mountain of work and have seemingly perfected the art of slowing the play-the-ball without giving away penalties.

Given this set of circumstances, NSW was never likely to blow their opponents off the park with ‘speed and slick ball movement’ as both rival Sydney newspapers reported earlier today.

The only way to win against the current Queensland side is to tough it out. Remain in the contest and remain patient and hope to high heaven your playmakers have one or two tricks up their sleeve in the last 10 minutes.

Tonight, NSW got to that position by default. Weighing up all the evidence, it’s unlikely they’ll have the same luxury in game two.

My side for game two
1. Gidley
2. Hayne
3. Jennings
4. Lyon
5. Monaghan
6. Mullen
7. Pearce
8. Kite
9. Ennis
10. Poore
11. Creagh
12. O’Donnell
13. Gallen

14. Wing
15. Laffranchi
16. Bailey
17. Learoyd-Larhs

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