Queensland expect respect because NSW gave them too much of it for too long. But those days appear to be over. It’s the Blues to win State of Origin III.
This is not me being parochial. I’ve tipped the Maroons far more often than I’ve tipped NSW over the years. I just think the tide has turned slightly in favour of the Blues.
Not so much because of last year’s series win, but by what happened in Game 2 of the current series at the MCG.
Entering the last 20 minutes, that match was there to be won by either team, but it was NSW that powered home over the top of the opposition.
That ability to finish the better in the dying stages of a tight match and get the win has been almost exclusively the domain of Queensland in the last decade.
Particularly in games where the referees actually kept the two teams apart, which was the case in Melbourne.
It seemed almost predictable at times that it would happen that way, too. The Maroons had built a magnificent side, full of superstars, and it was like the Blues subconsciously accepted they had to play second fiddle.
But there is no longer even remotely any hint of that. Certainly not with players like David Klemmer and Aaron Woods to light the fire.
Klemmer has been a revelation for the Blues. His clashes with veteran Queensland forward Corey Parker mark what this series has been all about – a sense of entitlement from the Maroons and a sense of you’re only entitled to what you earn from the Blues.
Woods will tell you he used to think too much about the game before his first few Origin matches and was worn out before kick-off. Now he just takes it as it comes and he has been the best prop from either side so far in this series.
This could be another tight and gripping contest.
The return from injury of Cooper Cronk for Queensland is obviously very important. He manages a game better than any other halfback in the NRL and his understanding with halves partner Johnathan Thurston is first-class.
But – not including Thurston and Cronk here – there are a few of those Maroons in their 30s now who are starting to look their age in the high-intensity, fast-paced Origin arena.
One of those is centre Justin Hodges, who struggled opposite Michael Jennings in Game 2. If the referees keep the two teams apart again, then Hodges is in trouble again. That right there could be where the game is won and lost.
Queensland have had to rejig their backline with fullback Billy Slater out injured and that includes Will Chambers moving from wing to centre while another centre, Dane Gagai, comes in on the wing.
That scenario must give the Blues something to attack.
Chambers is normally a centre, but if you look at a replay of Jack Reed’s try for Brisbane against Melbourne four days after Origin II you will see Chambers getting into trouble with a bad defensive read. NSW have probably picked up on it.
If Robbie Farah is forced out by injury, as anticipated, Michael Ennis will come in at hooker for the Blues and that will be okay. Two different types of players, but each brings something a team can use in a massive game like this.
Ennis would treat it as the chance of a lifetime if he got a run, four years after he was dropped from the NSW team. Don’t doubt his ability to make a big impact.
Wednesday’s game will be played with an extraordinary back-drop involving Maroons captain Cameron Smith, following weekend newspaper and television stories on Alex McKinnon.
McKinnon made clear his resentment at Smith for arguing at length with the referee about the penalty awarded following the tackle on McKinnon in last year’s fateful Melbourne-Newcastle game that left him in a wheelchair.
He was particularly angry with Storm captain Smith’s comment to the referee that “if he doesn’t duck his head, that doesn’t happen”.
Smith, like countless players before him, is well known for trying to influence referees – and he is very good at it.
I’d like to think that on this occasion he was immersed in ‘working’ the referee again and wasn’t aware of the gravity of the situation regarding McKinnon.
Surely, if you were aware that the on-field treatment being administered to McKinnon was much more than just precautionary you wouldn’t be going on and on about a penalty.
But it obviously wasn’t a good look and Wayne Bennett’s comment on 60 Minutes that from his experience Smith is a good person who got it wrong on the night summed the situation up pretty well.
This is a conflict McKinnon and Smith can only attempt to resolve by talking.
Hopefully, they will get around to doing that.
Jay C
Roar Guru
At least I own it. :) I am a chef by trade, so stirring the pot comes naturally.
Existentialist
Guest
knowledge is relative ;) you can be quite the divisive character but I respect that
Jay C
Roar Guru
For once? Come on Exi, the knowledge I impart on my sports loving brethren is always sound. Go Maroons!
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Sounds like a grand plan mate. When I make it up there, I'll place a sign on my vehicle that reads "Ghost of Arko" to alert the locals - so keep an eye and an ear out for me. Enjoy the big one tomorrow, it should be cracker.
Existentialist
Guest
I read a lot of your comments Jay C and usually refrain from posting on league related articles ... But, ... for once S P O T O N! Ps. Come on NSW!
nopuritan
Guest
Dean, it's a good plan to head up to Seisia. You'll love the place. Make sure you bring a fishing rod as the Seisia wharf, like everywhere else up there, is an excellent spot to catch a feed.
Michael
Guest
Sure*
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Never knock living in Surry Hills. Being straight, there was a multitude of gorgeous women to choose from with little competition. I've been using that moniker on The Roar for several years now, although I've recently relocated to Coffs Harbour - so not sure whether I can, or should change it. My best mate and I already have plans in motion for a slow trek North in a caravan convoy. He's got the bug after recently taking his family to Darwin via Uluru on a 4 month trek. I'll bring some home brew from a mate who was last years Australian Champion, so that if I see you, Arko, and Barko in Seisia, I can pass on a highly prized sample of the best beer I've ever tasted, and a lecture on why the dynasty for NSW has begun!
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Oooh yes. Well played.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I don't think you quite understood the argument being made.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Baylm and Badel cheerleader by Wilson
Jay C
Roar Guru
Gould absolutely loves NSW. He might have issues with the board but that has nothing to do with anything. Every single comment he makes is phrased to emphasise NSW. If Queensland are playing well, NSW are letting them. Gould is one of the smarter men at the table, but he is as biased as anyone you will ever meet in your life. I actually don't mind the 'secondary' origin team being biased. Andrew Johns, the Fat, Wally Lewis. I could do without Fitler. But it does add something I think. But the 3 primaries shouldn't be. As for Wally's bias during the regular rounds. I think you can lay the blame squarely at Channel 9s feet. Why they put him, Hadley and Lockyer together for Broncos games is a mystery. I'm a Broncos supporter and I can't stand the fan club. But Channel 9 will lose the rights next contract and it will be interesting to see exactly what happens. I hope they are kept as far away as possible. Bring Sterlo and Johns over, Maybe Paul Vautin for Origin. And leave the rest. The fox guys are sooo much better. Led by Vossy, they are head and shoulders above 9. Wish they would just put all the footy on Fox. I don't have it but that would make me buy it.
Jay C
Roar Guru
A lot of people think he is
nopuritan
Guest
Dean, get out of that corrupt and rancid state and get up north of the border - which is the Tropic of Capricorn. You're talking about going to Cairns, but if that's your goal you might as stay in Surrey Hills quaffing skinnychinos at the hairdressers because Cairns is buggered - it's full of Mexicans like you and your sus mates. Get up in the real North. Head for Bamaga or T.I. You haven't truly experienced life until you've had a beer at the Seisia Fishing Club at sunset. If you make Bamaga by mid September you should be able to catch the Grand Final of the local comp. And if you want to know why Queenslanders are tougher footballers than NSW go to Thursday Island and have a look at the Rugby League ground. Underneath that verdant brown grass is - coral. And that stuff brings 'gravel rash' to a whole new level!! Anyway good luck on Wednesday night cos youse are gonna get smashed, And that's the truth because... We are Queenslanders!
nopuritan
Guest
Tomas - Thanks for reminding me about knee lifting in State of Origin. Can anyone tell me who it was that lifted his knee into Julian O'Neill's sternum in a SOO match? And never got penalised. History repeating? I can't remember the guys name but he played for Newcastle and had a workaround for the no steroids laws.
Phill
Guest
all well and good Girl NSW but NSWRL and Channel9 have already set the dirty tatics using the McKinnon incident has pre origin cannon fodder to slur Cam Smith https://www.facebook.com/NRLmemesandnews/videos/1020407267992333/
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Dinner, then watched the Tiges and Eels, and then Matty and the boys. I haven't been that far North but loved the three and half years I spent around The Burdekin, Townsville and Cairns. Hoping to get up there one day and sample a croc sanga or two.
Phill
Guest
lol took you a long time to come up with that, if it inspired you to do some study then my job is done .. Don't need a map, been there ...
Phill
Guest
From Smiths perspective! https://www.facebook.com/NRLmemesandnews/videos/1020407267992333/ He did nothing wrong and is in the clear as this video vindicates his innocence .... just a dirty dirty NSWRL channel9 smear campaign pre origin, wow they look bad after this one ..
Muzz
Guest
"fiddle loving cane toad licker" LMFAO