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The New South Wales Blues have already wrapped up to the 2014 State of Origin series, but anyone who thinks that the dead rubber in Brisbane will be a fizzer will be sorely mistaken.
That’s not a case of me trying to drum up interest in a game that essentially means nothing. The simple truth is that both teams still have plenty to play for.
New South Wales will certainly want to finish the series strong and prove unequivocally that they have been the better side, while Queensland have pride, their home ground and spots in next year’s series all to play for.
I expect Game 3 to be just as intense and tough as the opening two encounters. Below are the three things I’ll be looking for.
Will Queensland experiment a little?
Queensland have clearly picked a team with the objective of winning this game, rather than building for the future. However, I still believe that they should take the opportunity to experiment with a few things in this match.
In particular, I’d give Greg Inglis some time at fullback to establish if he can have a greater impact on the game from the back, ala Jarryd Hayne, while also exploring the potential to play Billy Slater on the wing, or even at five-eighth.
The Maroons are in a tricky position, because Inglis is a devastating attacking weapon, but simply hasn’t been given enough opportunities this series. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say he’s been wasted, but a lot of that is a bi-product of playing him in the centres.
What complicates this issue is that I think Billy Slater at fullback has been close to Queensland’s best player in the series so far.
Both players are superstars, and need to be in the team, but at what positions that enable Queensland to maximise their potential and ability, remains a perplexing and unanswered question.
I’d use this game to help find that answer.
This is a big game for Trent Hodkinson
This sounds like a stupid comment, considering the Bulldogs halfback has just led his team to a drought-breaking series win, but Hodkinson needs a big Game 3 if he wants to cement his place in the NSW team next year.
Considering the loyalty that was shown to Mitchell Pearce despite him never winning a series, you would rightfully assume that Hodkinson will be guaranteed the sky-blue number seven jersey next year, provided he’s not it horrible club form.
However, some questions marks remain about Hodkinson’s ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck, like all quality halves should. It’s easy to remember his dummy and run for a game (and series) winning try in Game 2, but it’s also a struggle to remember him doing much else in attack in that match.
Though it’s true that the Blues and their playmakers should be judged on results, it would also be silly to overlook any change that would improve the team.
Hodkinson is never going to be Joey Johns, but he does need to get his hands on the ball a little more, and improve his team’s decision-making in attack, particularly when the Blues are threatening the opposition’s tryline, because it’s been a little poor in this series.
Is it harsh to single out Hodkinson, considering the Blues have finally halted the Maroons dynasty, and he played a key role? Undoubtedly. But if NSW want this series victory to be more than just an aberration, they can’t rest on their laurels.
Hodkinson can completely silence the doubters by being more of an attacking threat, leading the Blues to a 3-0 whitewash, and therefore cementing his spot in the NSW Blues team for next year.
NSW need to win with dignity
As a New South Welshmen, I’ve been slightly embarrassed by some of the carry-on after the Blues won Game 2, and therefore the series.
I’ve got no issue with the light sledging that has gone on. I’ve certainly enjoyed engaging in a bit of the banter myself. That’s to be expected, especially after eight long painful years of losing, and the ‘one in a row’ line is just plain funny.
I also had no issue whatsoever with the Blues celebrating their win, and Jarryd Hayne running into the crowd, in Sydney. I didn’t think any of that was disrespectful at all. It was simply passion and emotion, two things Origin football is built on.
But the talk of statues for captain Paul Gallen, team tattoos to commemorate the win, and Greg Bird running his mouth, have all been a little over-the-top.
The Blues and their fans would be wise to remember they’ve won one series in nine years and to keep things in perspective.
NSW deserve to be excited and ecstatic by their series victory, and I have no doubt the players will be trying their hardest to make it a 3-0 whitewash.
But win, lose or draw, I hope New South Welshmen do their state – and the game of rugby league – proud by displaying humility, class and sportsmanship when the series finishes.