It was an ambush that everyone knew was coming but NSW could do little to stop.
Just as the Labor party had its own night of the long knives, the Maroons put another blade into the back of the Blues to square the Origin series 1-1. Julia Gillard’s leadership was doomed thanks to the resurgence of a Queenslander, as was NSW’s fleeting dominance in this year’s series.
Queensland are never down and out in Origin, even when they seem to be on the brink.
Time and time again they have fought their way back, and last night was no different. The Canetoads are always a force on their home turf and after being embarrassed in a meagre performance in Game 1, they played out of their skins to restore pride in their state.
NSW were off the pace all game, and frankly at times like they hadn’t even gotten off the bus. Their preparation for this match had already been calamitous – James Tamou’s drink-driving ban, Jarryd Hayne’s injury and Blake Ferguson’s Sunday night Sutherland Shire brain explosion. The Blues were their own worst enemies even before kick-off.
Once the game had started, some dodgy refereeing early on hardly helped. The referees cannot be blamed for NSW’s demise in this match but some strange stripping calls and soft penalties in the opening minutes did help Queensland set the tone early, apply pressure and score early points.
NSW never recovered. One wag tweeted early on “Is Barry Gomersall refereeing?” referring to the infamous Origin ref of the past who hails from the sunshine state, such was the opening barrage of calls against the Blues.
After the first 20 minutes the Blues had held the ball for just three sets while the Maroons had had more than 20. Queensland were punishing in defence, enthusiastic around the park and creative with the ball. NSW were buggered after spending the opening spell defending, and then were lethargic trying to play catch-up for the rest of the game.
They weren’t helped either by a woeful kicking game and some ordinary handling errors.
Nathan Merritt had a debut to forget, with his Souths teammate Greg Inglis tormenting him all night. The brilliance of Hayne was missed and NSW’s troika of barnstorming forwards – Gallen, Bird and Lewis – were largely contained by a pumped-up Maroon pack.
Most of the audience was waiting for the inevitable get-square and biff after the explosive events of Game 1 and the ridiculous fallout that followed. They got what they wanted well into the second half, but by then the game was virtually over and a Queensland victory was well assured.
Four players were sin-binned when Trent Merrin should have been the only player to go, but that is the subject of a piece for another day.
Billy Slater also proved yet again what a nasty streak he has with a blatant elbow to the face of Mitchell Pearce. Slater might be lionised by all and sundry for his silly skills but there are many out there who don’t forget his tendency towards foul play, like kicking an opponent in the face when catches a bomb. This is a player who has been banned for a total of 13 weeks during his career and is no angel.
There were standouts all across the field for Queensland. Corey Parker was tireless and their debutants, Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh Papalii, were solid. The Maroon halves dictated the tempo of the game perfectly, and Inglis was back to his brilliant best.
For the Blues Pearce and James Maloney were ineffective, with a kicking display that was close to embarrassing, while the centre-wing combination of Josh Morris and Merritt fell flat. NSW will need to sort this out, and quickly, and inject some thrust and defensive strength on their flank, with Michael Jennings also quiet.
Unfortunately for Merritt he may have played his first and last Origin game. Fellow rookie Aaron Woods also had a very tough night, although Andrew Fifita showed he can handle himself in the Origin arena.
NSW now have it all to do to pick up the pieces and finally end Queensland’s winning run in the final game in Sydney. Laurie Daley will surely earn his salary if he can get his players back up after such a one-sided contest.
The return of Hayne and Tamou will certainly boost the Blues and the possible introduction of the Stewart brothers could also be a smart ploy.
But the pressure is now back squarely on the Cockroaches. Eight years is entirely too long to wait for an Origin series victory.
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Queensland often has the right mix of generational talent, playmaking brilliance and these nuts-and-bolts players that bind them together like glue.
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