After a great game of rugby league, Queensland again claimed another Origin series winning 26-16. Here are some of the things I took from Origin 2.
1. Queensland still getting favourable calls
In typical Origin fashion, the crowd got the better of the two referees. Quite a few calls went in favour of the home team, which was no surprise, but as a spectator it was quite frustrating.
Most of these incidents were around the ruck, where the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Cam Smith put on performances worthy of an Oscar nomination. Hopefully in Game 3 things change.
2. Jack Bird and Tyson Frizell belong in Origin
I was incredibly impressed by the efforts of both players, particularly in the face of adversity. Frizell’s chase on Dane Gagai was brilliant to see, and surprising, while his support play for his try came at an important time in the match.
Bird’s influence was almost instantaneous, questioning the Maroons’ defence with every run he took, and taking over the injured Adam Reynolds was no easy task. He performed admirably, especially towards the end of the match where he broke the line a few times. Both are exactly what the Blues need.
3. Reynolds injury stalls Blues
The bad luck continued for the Blues and Rabbitohs as Adam Reynolds was forced from the field with a suspected shoulder injury. While I previously mentioned Jack Bird did a fine job in substituting for him, all momentum was lost when the pint-sized half went into the sheds.
After a slow start, both Reynolds and Maloney came out in the second half firing. Reynolds’ kicking game was solid, if not a little rushed; however it was a much-improved performance this time around. His try assist for Frizell was a nice surprise for the Blues, which got them back into the game, but as he fell to injury, so did his team.
4. Queensland won’t lose until Thurston retires
As much as I hate Thurston during Origin, you have to appreciate his finesse and overall class. His sideline conversions were freakish, not to mention his numerous forced drop-outs and his out-the-back pass to Darius Boyd for Gagai’s third try was something special.
So long as the Maroons have this bloke on the pitch, it’s hard to see the Blues getting over them.
5. Both teams need to blood players in Game 3
Now that the series is effectively over, it’s time for both teams to look to the future. Both Corey Parker and Paul Gallen will be hanging up the Origin boots at the end of this season, so they deserve one last crack to represent their state.
I’d love to see New South Wales replace Michael Jennings with Jack Bird, and play Nathan Peats off the bench to substitute for the ageing Robbie Farah. Bryce Cartwright would also be a handy addition to the Blues, while the Maroons could start Josh Papalii instead of Sam Thaiday and give Michael Morgan a run at five-eighth while shifting Cooper Cronk to the backrow or bench. Definitely a game worth experimenting with.
6. Daley needs the axe
It might sound a little unfair but I believe Laurie Daley’s time as head coach should come to an end. His style of play cripples his team and it was only when they chanced their arm that they got into a good position. However, it was a matter of too little too late. His lack of coaching experience is also a worry.
His replacement you ask? None other than former Origin player Geoff Toovey. Not only does he have Origin experience, but he also has coaching experience and success, having taken the Sea Eagles to the grand final. Let’s not forget to mention he’s someone the players would want to play for. Out with Loz, in with Tooves I say.
7. Blues play better with expansive style
As soon as the Blues started questioning the Maroons’ defence, they began to make metres and create scoring opportunities. They frustrated me to no end with their one-out plays, particularly Gallen’s selfish fourth tackle.
We saw at the end of the second half that when they began to play direct and pass the ball out early, opportunities were made, with Jack Bird, Dylan Walker and Matt Moylan all making or creating breaks.
8. Dynasty coming to an end
The Maroons may have won the series, but it’s no surprise that they just don’t have the same spark as they used to. Perhaps it’s because the Blues may have fielded a better team than they have in the past, but I think it’s time Kevin Walters looked to call time on some of their veterans’ Origin careers.
Queensland will do fine without Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, and even Cronk. As Bob Dylan once song, “Oh the times they are a changin”.
What do you think, Roarers? Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments section below!
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