The term ‘spine’ has crept into rugby league’s vernacular in recent years to describe the importance of the fullback/halfback/five-eighth/hooker combination to a team’s success.
As Laurie Daley grapples with how to come back from NSW’s latest Origin setback, he would do well to focus on another part of the central nervous system – the brain.
Queensland’s spine of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith is among the greatest ever assembled.
What sometimes goes under-appreciated is the importance of the Maroon’s ‘brain’ – the players who seize the initiative and make things happen, changing the outcomes of games.
It was there on display with Queensland’s only try in Game 1.
Towards the end of the first half, the Maroons were having little success with their strategy of peppering rookie fullback Matt Moylan with high kicks.
Enter Thurston. On the last tackle, and still 30 metres out from NSW’s line, JT called for the ball on the short side, and instead of kicking, attacked the Blue’s left edge. NSW’s defence was caught napping, and Dane Gagai was able to dive over for the decisive score.
Thurston by no means had his best game that night. But his leadership and vision was there when it counted, and it ultimately won Queensland the match.
Indeed, it is a feature of Queensland’s Origin reign that, when the chips are down, you can count on Greg Inglis, Thurston, Cronk or Smith calling for the ball, barking instructions, conducting the Maroons like an orchestra.
NSW, on the other hand, have often appeared directionless.
Perhaps it is understandable that NSW’s halves are reluctant to take risks. The Blues have not had a dominant half since Andrew Johns’ retirement, and they usually cop the brunt of criticism after each agonising defeat.
Just ask current five-eighth James Maloney, who has felt the sting of a series loss and subsequent dumping. The list of Blues’ halves to be shown the door following defeat is long, and most recently includes Mitchell Pearce, Jamie Soward, Trent Hodkinson, Jarrod Mullen, Josh Reynolds and Todd Carney.
Even more reason then for Robbie Farah to step up. And while it is a huge ask on an Origin rookie like Adam Reynolds to order around veterans, if he wants to keep his name off the discarded list, he needs to bring that confidence to the table to lead a NSW attack that has not fulfilled its potential.
If NSW wants any hope of levelling this Origin series, they need to show a brain, and they need to do it fast
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