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Our boys showed plenty of heart in game one but really stepped up for game two to rock the Queensland side.
The fast and furious pace we showed allowed us to put on two tries in the second-half of game two to seal the game and the pressure stunted Queensland, forcing them into mistakes.
While we’ve lost Will Hopoate, we’ll have Michael Jennings or Jarryd Hayne to replace him in the centres, while big Keith Galloway steps in for Trent Merrin who is back at club footy to give the forwards a boost.
Coach Ricky Stuart has done all he can to take the focus off his players and place it onto his shoulders, revving up the Queensland mob with some great banter and keeping his final team unannounced.
All normal Origin fare… except Mal Meninga has taken it to heart!
He says he’s broken up with old Raiders team-mate Stuart, after Ricky’s jibes were too much.
Well Mal, go and blow your nose with $100 notes. After all, it was reported this week you’ll get $800k a year to do whatever it is you do when your team is chock full of champions.
History isn’t with us, but that’s never stopped us before. Five times in 29 years have either side won the decider away from home; we did it in 1994 and 2005, and we’ll do it again.
Go get ’em boys. Let’s spoil Lockyer’s farewell.
Betting: Queensland at $1.57, NSW at (generous?) $2.40.
At least the Queenslanders are good for something – the XXXX Angels!
p.Tah
Guest
Touché :)
Lee
Guest
Overall, dodgy decisions by the ref for both teams and some great individual performances from both QLD and NSW players made this a thoroughly great game to watch!! A fitting farewell for Locky!! Now onto next year's battle!!
GrecoRoman
Guest
Look who's talking Mr 'Oh. but the refs were biased'. :)
Lee
Guest
This is my favourite try now that I've read this Blog - earlier you stated that Yow Yeh would be ''out of position'' more than once in the game. Hmm...lucky for us, huh??
Lee
Guest
All I can say is that your first (if not first two) tries were from "suspect" (*cough* forward *cough*) passes and NEITHER were picked up. Hmm...yes, you're right...the ref would totally have been against you.
Lee
Guest
QLD can't lose DESPITE Archer being on the field...Sorry mate but he's had some dodgy calls both ways.
Lee
Guest
As a QLDer I have to say I love that Ricky Stewart thinks Pearce is the best halfback in the game...if he keeps thinking that we'll be one up before the series begins every year!!
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
The three fingers on each hands was I think how it started, and then maybe they started sharing Thurston's opiate and got a little mixed up!? Originally though, three fingers on each hand was what they were going for. Though it did make them look like a Crip gang. What can I say, its hard keeping count when you've won SO many straight Origin series'. :P
p.Tah
Guest
Hopefully they're not predicting the outcomes of the next few series... Anyway, well played Queensland. Blues players... Don't look at me... I'm not talking to you... Now I've got to crack out the banjo and support Queensland on Saturday. Anyone know a good lobotomist?This is a weird feeling.
GrecoRoman
Guest
I hate seeing replays like that. Painful memories. Last ever game of either code of Rugby (I played both) was due to a knee injury in almost identical circumstances - player making the tackle was whipped around by momentum to collide with and hyperextend my knee. Full reco required. Only thing holding my knee in place was my skin.
GrecoRoman
Guest
Thought that pass from Gaz was forward.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
You've been watching Gidley all night, instead of the game
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Two men - Soward never had the opportunity to effect a tackle
GrecoRoman
Guest
He shoved his knee in to disrupt the play the ball. Fair call.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
The ref again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gidley stuffing up again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Another dud call from Archer,. QLD can't lose when he's on the paddock.
GrecoRoman
Guest
LOL - I noticed that as well - when they posed for the group pic with the shield, I thought Thaiday was signalling that Queensland had won 8 in a row and Slater was signalling they had won 7 - either that or it was some street gang gesture specific to Brisbane! :)
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Gidley again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stuffing up as usual.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Bird is the man for NSW - he knows how to break the line from any position. Gidley is like Thurston - only effective from a quick play the ball from dummy-half.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Hayne should take up golf - that was a hole in one !