The NSW Blues defeated the Queensland Maroons 18-8 in Sydney last night, setting up a deciding clash in Brisbane on July 6. It was another Origin classic, and a game that will be talked about at length for the next couple of days. Below are the main discussion points from game two.
New South Wales player ratings
Queensland player ratings
Did we just witness the death of the prop?
A mate’s father said over ten years ago that “the old school prop would be a thing of the past in rugby league soon”. Last night, we may have witnessed that moment.
NSW’s fast, skilful and athletic forward pack, led by backrower-turned-prop Paul Gallen, completely dominated the Maroons. They suffocated the Queensland forwards and made them look old, slow and above all, ineffective.
The NSW forward pack contained mostly rangy backrowers who were able to handle the Queensland traffic across the park, and make incisive runs at the Maroons line. It felt very much like the rugby league of the future.
Having said that, let’s not get carried away. It was just one game, and Matt Scott, who is similar to the old mould of prop, was the best player in game one, so it’s too early to say old school props are dead.
But it’s worth noting that Thaiday, Myles, Parker and Taylor – all second rowers – have all spent time in the front row at club level. . .
The Maroon’s were lucky to not get a hammering
Cameron Smith’s try should have been a double movement. The tackle was completed and momentum had stopped.
Take away that try, and suddenly Queensland’s attack looks pretty impotent.
They’ll improve for game 3, but Mal will need to make some adjustments, so we’ll finally get to see if he’s more than just a fantastic manager of men.
Who writes Locky’s scripts?
Queensland will be hoping it’s a Hollywood writer, because stories from Tinseltown generally have a happy ending.
Things are set up nicely now for a dream farewell for one of rugby league’s greatest ever players.
An Origin decider in Brisbane, and the chance to send Locky out a winner.
Think the Maroons will be motivated?
You can count on ‘The Clount’
Josh Dugan is one hell of a player. He’s very exciting, dangerous in attack, and a living example of an x-factor.
But he’s an instinctive footballer rather than a cerebral one. Nothing demonstrates this better than the difference in defensive positioning between him and his game two replacement, Anthony Minichello.
The Count was outstanding last night, and witnessing him defuse bombs or gather short kicks, and then fun full tilt at the Maroons, it was as if we’d stepped into a time machine back to 2005.
Even if Dugan is fit for Origin 3, I’d keep Minichello at the back. His teammates have confidence in him, and despite Dugan’s brilliance, I don’t think you could say the same about him.
Sticky situation for Sticky
Speaking of NSW injuries, if Brett Morris and Michael Jennings are fit for game 3, what does Ricky Stuart do?
He’s preached long and hard about loyalty, yet the facts are that NSW lost when Morris and Jennings played, and won when Hayne and Hopoate played.
This NSW team for game two also looked like extremely close and tight knit group, and whilst I’m certainly not suggesting that Morris and Jennings would disrupt team harmony, you can’t escape the fact this team won.
It would brave decision to alter with the team chemistry after last night’s victory.
Is Cameron Smith the best hooker of all-time?
Yes. I’ve never seen anyone better.
NSW need to kick the bad kicking
30 minutes into the game, it was looking fairly precarious for NSW, because their kicking game was atrocious. They consistently kicked straight down Queensland’s throats, and were very lucky that they weren’t punished, by Slater in particular.
After the first set of six, they were already under pressure, as a poor kick gave Queensland excellent field position.
30 minutes is far too long to settle into Origin football, and if NSW take that long to correct their kicking in game 3, I don’t they’ll get away with being down just 8-0.
Homebush sucks
ANZ Stadium is a magnificent ground to watch sporting events, including rugby league.
But it’s a pain in the butt to get to, and an even bigger nightmare to get home from. Despite catching an express train from the city to the ground, and back afterwards, it’s a still a 30 minute trip, packed in a carriage like sardines.
It’s bearable on the way out there, but nauseating on the way home.
It’s not a whinge, just an observation.
I hate to say I told you so, but …
As a writer, when you make predictions, you’re generally setting yourself up to fail in front of a lot of people. Egg on your face is one thing, but egg on your face in public can be downright embarrassing.
And Roarers will certainly let you know about it.
Which means you need milk it when you’re right! As such, I hope our dear Queensland readers will face the music today. Oikee, Damo, etc, where are you?
Charles
Guest
Danno1, your comments are well thought out, however I do not agree. Giddley is a far better player and can go 80 minutes non stop, he is tough. Why not have your best for the whole game? Sorry disagree again, Danny Buderous is the 2nd best hooker to Cameron Smith not Steve Walters, though he was good too. Because a coach has a different opinion to the fans it does not mean they are necessarily wrong. Bennett was making a comment about the player and the way the game was played. It did not mean he favoured Ennis over any other hooker. Stuart was wrong in his selections in the first game, and did not have entirely right in the 2nd, despite our win.
Danno1
Guest
Mick Ennis is all heart, fire and brimstone, opponents don't like that, team mates and coaches love it. Fans, especially those who hold affection for other players, don't rate that ability. If he is annoying and overtly aggressive that is not a reason to drop the bloke. Yes he's done some stupid things at this level, but then so has Gallen, Hodges, Kimmorley and a plenty of other high quality players. Seems this is a case of the armchair brigade thinking they're smarter than coaches and team mates. He is a warrior, and while he plays like one coaches and team mates will always prefer him to the alternative. For NSW he is a Steve Walters compared to Farah's Benny Elias. That is a comparison on styles not ability, Walters is the second best hooker I have ever seen now that Cam Smith has surpassed him, and Smith should be rated an all-time great. People who note how when Gidley came on things seemed to open up, well that is what happens when the first onslaught is dealt with, if I recall the same comments were made when Ennis replaced Young in game one. Wayne Bennett makes mention of it in an article in the Daily Telegraph today, another coach who likes Ennis. So that's Stuart, Bennett and Moore who are fans, they must all be wrong.... As for claims he can't play 80 mins he does every week for his club. If the coach has different plans it has nothing to do with Ennis's ability to play 80 mins. Look I don't love the bloke but he is unfairly pasted in these blogs, as a "thug" he is no worse (or better skilled may be the correct term :-)) than Thaiday, Gee, Cann, Hodges, or litany of other objectionable Queenslanders. He is essential for NSW to win game 3, same as Bird and Scott are.
Emcie
Guest
I'm pretty sure there were only three penalties in game one... Am I wrong?
Charles
Guest
M1tch, correct, Giddley & Lewis were injured, I meant that in as saying if we had them it would have made the difference in Game1. I am indicating the point experience is what makes a huge difference, Minichello showed that, being a far better player than Dugan. The Barry, point taken but I do not agree, Giddley is a work horse and can go all day, same as what Cameron does. Too much emphasis on interchange, you want the best player out there from the start and keep him as long as possible.Gallen proved that! Do you really think we should go in the the third game with the same team? No way, they will make us pay!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Why would you want to wear Gidley out defending in the middle of the ruck in the first 30 mins of the game ? The strategy to bring him on fresh running at tired QLD forwards worked perfectly and Ennis controlled the middle of the ruck despite getting split early. This is where QLDers have a point about Blues fans passion. Rather than wanting to see our team go on with the job after a famous victory everyone's talking about who should be dropped...? QLD fans would never get caught up in this rubbish.
Jimbo
Guest
Pretty much sums up my thoughts. It was a good performance by NSW, but not great. They should have iced the game a lot earlier than they did. And it will amount to nought if they don't back up in Brisbane.
Jimbo
Guest
Agreed on Thaiday - the man is a cat. Saw him go after Ennis and Pearce last night - who will he go after in Game 3? Jamie Soward? I will eat my hat if I ever see third man Thaiday involved in a fair one on one fight with someone within 10kg of his weight.
Vas Venkatramani
Guest
NSW fans: Let's keep a lid on it. One swallow does not a summer make. Let's carry on if/when we topple them up at Brissie. We're still up against a bloody great team. Qld fans: Any hyperbole shown by Blues fans or the Sydney press after the game is a mere replica of what happens after every Qld win, when words such as "passion", "spirit" and "hunger" are thrown around ad nauseum. It's the Blues first win in three years, and this after comments have been made that NSW people aren't as proud of their state as Qlders are. Having lived in both states, this is absolute crap. I'm done now...
Stu
Guest
NSW are the greatest team in history, just ask their fans and media. Last night, QLD had no pressure on them to perform. Prior to last night their most recent loss in '09 was in game III after a few nights out partying, they were not focussed. After a clean sweep last year and the fact they never looked troubled in game I this year, it's easy to understand a slip in intensity after getting up 8-0 in pretty quick time. I don't know how much NSW can lift for game III. I can't imagine Gallen, Soward, Pearce etc playing any better yet the game was only sealed in the last few minutes. QLD will focus and lift, they don't need to do much more to win game III but I get the feeling they won't be taking any chances. QLD by 12+. Actually, I remember a few 36-6 scorelines in times like these. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Titus
Guest
What was the go with all the blue people, was it a hand out of wigs and sponsors 'scarf' with the ticket? Looked impressive but you would think if you were going to go to that much trouble you could at least learn a few songs, bring some flags, a pullover, do 'jump up in the cove' or something. A nice attempt to bring some passion to the game but just feels terribly contrived, much like the commentary.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
There's nothing I enjoy more than reading comments from a collective species of bitter and twisted Northern Snapperheads, after a lesson on how to play league. You'll hear dozens of excuses of how they were robbed by the officials, opposition, and the coach ! These Snapperheads are special salt water breed, with a constant flow of saline tears, week, undetermined, toothless, and the look of a stunned Morwong when caught in the depths and dragged to the surface. We're coming up to Suncorp to make that joint OUR HOUSE as well - so get ready Snapperheads - because we're gonna be throwing what-ever we catch under the grill, regardless of the bag-limit.
Corey
Guest
Ummm.....last year, Thaiday was the form 2nd rower throughout the whole year. I love how NSW wins a game for the first time in over 24 months and it's as if QLD have never been good. NSW gets cocky very quick, no wonder we love to hate you guys so much. Imagine if Inglis got that intercept, this whole column would be about how bad Soward was, or how terrible of an idea it is to have Cronulla player as captain. Game III is at our home ground, where our cheers are louder and our players play harder. NSW, good luck.
Stavs
Guest
Great win by the mighty Blues. Gallen was immense. To be honest though, I felt underwhelmed by the crowd even considering the win. There was a nervous energy, and didn't find the same atmosphere as origins in 2005 and 2006, which were the last times I went to Origin at ANZ. Perhaps it was the bloke forcing the crowd to hype it up, it seemed contrived and unnecessary because the loudest the crowd got was without that annoying voice-over. Perhaps it was where I was sitting. It certainly came across on TV as having a better atmosphere than where I was sitting (behind the Blues bench). In any case, should be a cracker of a final game - it's the most evenly matched teams since 05 by far
betamax
Roar Guru
I'll give you the rest of them, particularly Inglis, but to call Lockyer and Petro overrated is ridiculous mate.
Corey
Guest
Unfortunately this just sets up a bigger game for Game III for the whole nation and the world (yes, I'm watching it on Ugandan free TV) to see the Mighty Maroons topple the Bumbling Blues. Let's remember, the Blues haven't won in 5 years, and as such I don't think there is one left in the team that knows what winning a series is like, and thus, don't know how to do it.
mick h
Guest
dawso, your entitled to your opinion but your a bit harsh on gasnier great game in defence and well contained in attack just like inglis if you opened your eyes each time the ball was passed wide the defence from both sides rushed up quickly to stifle the attacking players. hopoate try came from a bad read in defence.
JamesM
Guest
My only complaint about Gasnier is that he needs to realise there is a young bolter named Aquia Uate beside him...there were a couple of times where Uate was open and Gasnier put on the step and tried to go himself (resulting in a knock on at one point, which lead Uate to throw his hands up in frustration). Gaz did well overall though and played his part with the other 16 in NSW's victory. Hopefully he will get it 100% right in Game 3....his main focus should be, postitioning his winger into space.
JamesM
Guest
Even if Morris WAS fully fit and healthy in the lead up, i still think Hayne would have been wearing te #2 jersey last night. Morris has had four shots at Origin now and bombed in all four of them. Nothing personal, but the guy is a proven hindrence to NSW. Hayne did what Morris failed to do in Game 1....close out Jaral Yow Yea. Jennings on the other hand, if fit, will likely come in for the injured Hopoate for Game 3. The remaining 16 should stay. Sorry Dugan and co, but you'll just have to miss out. NSW won through a 17 man TEAM effort last night, and making UNFORCED changes for game 3 would be an absolute slap in the face.
JamesM
Guest
Hayne was quiet because NSW directed most of their attacking play towards the other side of the field. Which was fine, Hayne did everything that was asked of him in playing left wing last night. And some seem to have missed it, but he was EXCELLENT in defence. He was the reason Jaral Yow Yeh never got a look in all night. Every time The Maroons set up to attack on their right, the expierienced Hayne lead the way in shutting it down. Some people are complainging that Hayne was too quiet (he didnt pull of any miracle plays),,,but thats not what was needed from him last night. What he did, was put in an A-grade TEAM-PLAYER performance.
JamesM
Guest
Mate, you could SEE the frustration on Lockyer, Thurston and Slater's faces....The Maroons did every thing they could to win last night.....they didn't 'get out of first gear' because NSW didn't ALLOW them to. They set the pace and dictated the majority of the game. QLD didnt lose due to any lack of commitment on their part, they lost because they were out-played, out-enthused and battered into a backpeddling situation they are not used to.