If New South Wales are to win State of Origin II on Wednesday night, a few Blues need to produce the game of their lives.
We start with five-eighth Jamie Soward, who had a quiet first game.
Soward didn’t kick the ball for the first 20 minutes, possibly part of a game plan to ease him into Origin, or possibly the Blues forwards failed to make field position to help their kicker.
His tactical kicking gameis the best in the NRL, especially inside the opposition 20. However his long kicking games is going to be most important.
Kicks that gain meters along the ground, rather than finding the fullback on the full will help the Blues mobile forward pack. If kicks find grass, they’ll have more time to muscle up down the other end.
Next player is the front rover: Tim Mannah. We know what to expect from captain and surprise selection Paul Gallen so it’s one of the two specialist props that will be crucial.
This will be Mannah’s first start for the Blues and in a game at home to keep the series alive.
Mannah was solid but quiet in game 1, not really noticed during or after the game, with Queensland’s forwards dominating the opener and all expect the same thing again.
Mannah will have to provide the same amount of impact for the Blues. Gaining meters, taking two hit ups in a set when needed, and strong in defence are all crucial areas. Please Tim, don’t forget to roll the ball backwards after a hit-up.
Last but certainly not least is the fullback: Anthony Minichiello.
Perhaps the shock selection for some when Josh Dugan was ruled out with injury but why wouldn’t you choose a player who has been there before and dominated in this arena? It’s the feel good story of the series.
Minichello, whose career a few years ago seemed over, has recovered from those injuries to make the New South Wales team.
The Maroons had a specific game plan in game one, bomb it high to test Dugan, at times, Uate.
‘Mini’ is one of the safest fullbacks in the game, so expect more kicks along the ground trying to trap in the in goal.
Kick returns can indicate how a team will go in the set and New South Wales will get strong starts to their sets after every Mini run.
With a sell-out crowd cheering on the Blues, the 18th man could also be vital for a Blues win should they find their voice.
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