It was the loss Queensland had to have. Last night in front of 80-odd thousand disco-Smurfs, the Cane Toads were hit by a shiny new blue wagon stuffed full of enthusiastic cockroaches desperately looking for an exit from the Metaphor Motorway.
The match was won and lost in the forwards. The Blues were bigger, faster, meaner, hungrier, uglier, stinkier, oh and betterer.
The refs maybe could have called a couple of things a little differently that might have made a difference. For example Tate’s first ‘knock-on’ was clearly incorrect but that was with the benefit of a replay, so fair enough there.
The one that made me smile was Nate Myles’s ploy to irritate Gallen and then stand there like a conscientious objector while Gallen pummeled the flesh on his face.
Irresistible force met immovable object – if that face belonged to just about anyone else on Earth it would today resemble a fisherman’s gut bucket.
As it is, the face in question is on standby for NASA in case an asteroid is heading for Earth.
Bruce Willis is on standby to pilot Nate Myles into space to swat any high speed space rock away with his head.
For the Blues, Queensland can only spit out an ashen-tasting “well done you pack of … ahem yes well done.”
That’s as much grace as we can muster. Someone else can rate their players – I don’t want to think about it.
Let’s look at individual efforts for Queensland.
Billy Slater is copping a little bit for not being the dynamic match winner Queensland needed but statistically he was the Maroons’ best back.
He’s clearly not having his best season but any talk of removing him from the team can be dismissed (we know he can handle a wing spot). 7/10
Darius Boyd was apparently out there last night. Wonder how he went? 4/10.
Greg Inglis was not the Greg Inglis Queensland needed. He was the Greg Inglis that in a winning performance you look back on and laud as a handy contributor. In a losing team you wonder why he didn’t do more. Move him to fullback? Probably. 6/10.
Justin Hodges had his best game for 2013 and showed some of the individual spark and class the Broncos have (sadly) come to rely on as their only real attack this season. 7/10.
Brent Tate did his job at Origin level, as usual. Solid defense and was unlucky not to get a try when the final pass to him wasn’t quite perfect. 6/10.
Johnathan Thurston is going to cop it deluxe for a sub-standard game by his supreme standards. He should not have been out there – groin injury plus virus plus family on his mind does not equal Origin player.
When he got involved it noticeably improved things for the visitors. Queensland will need their champion halfback fit and firing for Game 2 – that’s if he made it out of the dressing room after the match.
He looked as sick and sorry as the whole state of Queensland feels this morning. 5/10.
Cooper Cronk tried hard but it just doesn’t seem to be going his way in 2013. Obviously his forwards being steamrolled didn’t help his cause but his kicks did not prove to be any bother for Hayne and co.
When the Storm beat the Roosters recently it was noticeable that Cameron Smith took over the main kicker’s role in the team. If Cronk is to play in Game 2 and beyond, Meninga might want to look at that idea. Or else give Cherry-Evans his chance. 5/10.
Matt Scott worked hard but seemed to be playing almost a lone hand as Queensland’s big bopper. The Blues forwards were on him quickly all night and limited his impact. The post-Civoniceva era has well and truly begun. 6/10.
Cameron Smith was Cameron Smith: smooth, professional and calm. He tackled everything he could get his hands on and did his best to guide the team around. So why does it feel like it just wasn’t enough? 6/10.
David Shillington was seemingly marked out by the Blues as the weak link in the Maroons’ starting pack and was smothered ruthlessly. He was not allowed to make any meaningful contribution. 4/10.
Nate Myles stood up for Queensland as he always does. One more Nate Myles in this team might have made the world of difference. Gallen’s fists will still be stinging in a month thanks to the pounding they took from Myles’s mighty mug. 8/10.
Sam Thaiday is another one who will cop criticism but I thought his efforts were outstanding. As a Brisbane fan I hope we can find another prop because Thaiday is one of the best back-rowers going around and in my opinion he didn’t let anyone down last night. 7/10.
Ashley Harrison unfortunately was just not a factor. He’s owed loyalty by this team but with the series on the line, a more dynamic player is needed.
Rush Harrison to the tailor’s to get his suit measured for Game 2 – he’d be watching the game from the stands if I was coach. 4/10.
Corey Parker’s impact was immediate and sustained. He really lifted the team with his offloads and ability to be the hardest bloke on the park to tackle. He can have Harrison’s jersey for Game 2 and beyond. 7/10.
Matt Gillett’s inclusion in this team was pretty baffling seeing as his club form has been average at best.
Perhaps Queensland were starved for options? Still, he wasn’t too bad last night. Can someone tell me what he’s meant to be to this side? Workhorse? Intimidator? I just don’t see where he fits. 5/10.
Ben Te’o provided some momentum with his dynamic running and ability to bust tackles. Should be asked to play more minutes in my opinion. 6/10.
Chris McQueen is another that should be on the park for longer, if possible. A solid debut and deserves a second game in three weeks’ time. 5/10.
The above scores might seem low overall but I’ve rated them with the relative opposition scores in mind. What do you think?
Bring on Game 2 at Lang Park!
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