The NSW fightback starts now.
Following their 52-6 State of Origin mauling at the hands of Queensland on Wednesday night in the series decider, the Blues will waste no time going over every aspect of their preparation with a fine-tooth comb.
Coach Laurie Daley said he would sit down on Friday to begin analysing what was the worst loss in Origin history and try to ensure it was never repeated.
“We’re straight into it tomorrow morning,” Daley said at Sydney Airport as his team touched down on Thursday on home turf.
“Just have a a look at it while it’s still fresh in our minds.
“We’ll have a look at the (game three) review and then we’ll do our (analysis of the) week’s prep – what was that like. Then we’ll look at everything over the next couple of weeks to do with next year and see where we can improve.”
Daley said he was at a loss to explain the result but promised he and his team would get to the bottom of it.
He said the Blues were only off by “five or 10 per cent” and the hardest part was they had to wait 10 months to atone for it.
“The amount of ball that (Queensland) had, in that field position and the way they played, it was always going to be difficult to stop,” Daley said.
“We had to make a lot of tackles and we were fatigued. Once you start getting fatigued in that environment, everything goes pear-shaped.”
Calls will be made for further generational change in the NSW line-up after such an emphatic loss.
Daley hinted more players would be moved on however would not be drawn on which players were under the gun.
Luke Lewis and Anthony Watmough were overlooked this series while Greg Bird missed all three games through suspension, giving Canterbury duo David Klemmer and Josh Jackson their first taste of Origin.
Doubts also remain about whether captain Paul Gallen, who will be 34 by the time next year’s series rolls around, will go around again.
“That’s part of the plan; you look at what we’ve done this year,” Daley said.
“We went for a more younger sort of team … We’ve started to put young guys in and give them a taste of it. They’ll be better for the run. That’s a good lesson for them.”
Jay C
Roar Guru
Off the bench though he can't cover the halves. Which is sort of the main thing you want.
Sem yah
Guest
Yup. Laurie must've had brain damage as well as he never saw it coming! All he sees is Pearce! Hah enjoy your nightmare bliss bloosers!
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Damn straight.
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Jay therein lies the problem, he is a good player BUT not good enough to unseat another's position...off the bench maybe ?
Sampson
Guest
The past 10 origin series (2005 to 2006) is similar to the 10 Ashes Cricket series from 1989 to 2006/07 - both results were 9-1 with 8 consecutive. England deserved to win in 2005, just as NSW deserved to win in 2014. Australia got their revenge in 2006/07, just as Qld did in 2015. (10th series).
Tony
Guest
Fair call, Alex L
Jay C
Roar Guru
You make me lol. No comment
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I'm thinking now... Guerra (yep). Menzies (maybe?) Clyde (probably) Ricketson (no comment) Hindmarsh (no idea) Fitzgibbon (roll on deodorant head) Cooper (nah) McQueen (bespoke possibly for metalcore Warhammer nerds) Simpson (probably not) Parker (absolutely. Silver fox) Well spotted
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I'm honestly not sure why people think one game in which QLD played exceptionally well (every player played close to their potential best), had the rub of the green, and NSW played exceptionally poorly (majority of players played close to their potential worst) is so utterly definitive when the last 6 games have been split evenly. Some fans seem to suffer some kind of brain damage around origin time.
Noel
Roar Rookie
If Lillyman can perform like that again, he would have to good for a bench spot. Seriously, some of his running was that strong and that fast that I don't know if he just got past missiles coming out of the line, or whether people (Klemmer) were deliberately missing him. If the team was picked tomorrow, he'd be unlucky to miss out in my book.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Probably should blame the bus company, because the wheels definitely fell off. :) I like Loz, but that is a coach's loss.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Where would you play Dugan. He has shown he isn't a winger. Centre maybe but it would be tough leaving out Morris or Chambers
Jay C
Roar Guru
You only have to look at what happened to the Roosters when he was out to see Guerra's value. He sort of blind sided me with his inclusion when he debuted but you couldn't ask for more really. I think it is you Jackson that loves a pretty 2nd rower, so I am sure Guerra is right up there ;)
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Jay you beat me to it , I'm surprised Daley isnt blaming the : Ball boys....they move faster than the team Bus driver ...motion sickness Caterers ...upset tummies Hotel...uncomfy beds Rotation of the Earth....equilibrium out of whack...etc , etc. In essence , anywhere else he can lay the blame EXCEPT the guy that looks back at him in a mirror
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Jackson I would add Dugan to the list and apart from him no-one else from the blues are good enough
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Meant to say in about 100 other threads over the past few days but keep forgetting - Aidan Guerra (a favourite of mine) seems to frequently score late in games. Something to watch out for. Hoffman is another favourite...but I wonder if Guerra might take his spot in the Kangaroos. Very similar types of players. I'm not open to suggestions from you on this old mate, but I'm wondering if only Jennings or Morris squared will make the Australian team. I can't think of too many other Blues who could seriously be considered. I'd actually like Jackson on the bench.
From The Equator
Guest
I always knew the score line was coming for the past 8yrs. The 1 point, 2 points wins were making me itch. Now I can rest easy.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Just blame the refs and outside influences. don't look inwards. Keep the same team. That way we can get the same result next year. Surely even the most ardent Blues supporter can now see last year was pretty lucky. When the maroons step on the gas the Blues fall on their ass.