NSW coach Laurie Daley has vowed to stand by the players who have failed to stop another State of Origin series win by Queensland.
For the 10th time in 11 years the Blues have fallen to the Maroons, who claim an unassailable 2-0 series lead after a 26-16 game two victory on Wednesday in Brisbane.
Daley, though, won’t be using game three as a chance to experiment, insisting there is no such thing as a dead rubber in Origin.
“We’re there to win – we’ll be there to win game three,” Daley said.
“This series, we know we’re going to be a better team at the end of it.
“Devastating that we lost but there’s still one more game to go.”
One change Daley looks like he’ll be forced to make is in the halves with halfback Adam Reynolds failing to finish the match due to a shoulder injury.
Reynolds suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder in the second half and is set to undergo a MRI on Thursday in Sydney.
“I don’t want to say too much but I don’t think he’ll be right for game three,” Daley said.
Despite another series defeat, Daley believes his group is closing the gap on the Maroons.
But he also says near enough is not good enough and it’s time to start delivering for his players.
“I believe we’re getting closer. I think the players believe we’re getting closer,” he said.
“At some point, we’ll have to draw a line in the sand and say, effort is good but we can’t keep reverting back to that.
“We’ve got to convert and that’s the challenge for us.”
Slickeel
Roar Rookie
Daley just doesn't get it. The sooner he & Bozo are sacked the better. The bro love between him & Gallen is obvious. They will be lucky to have 20000 there next game. Bloody Idiot & moron.
catcat
Guest
It will be billed as Gallens Farewell Match, so of course all the boys Bird, Farah need to be there..can't possibly use it to blood new players...no lets do that next year whilst losing another series... tickets sales will struggle for game 3 now.....
steveng
Roar Rookie
No NSWelshmen or women should turn up at SOO 3,. that is the answer and a firm protest to what is really wrong with NSW and its culture! And as far as 'Daley to stick by beaten Blues in Origin 3' that is a joke and really proves the core of NSW problems! Firstly, get rid of Daley and Bozo and the problems will be solved!
Tom G
Guest
Daley is a monumental clown.. 'there's no such thing as a dead rubber'.. losing two straight in a best of three match series provides you with the dictionary definition of Dead Rubber!!!
Curaeus
Guest
It was Einstein I think who once defined insanity as doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result. Change the team you numbskull. The current mob have no idea how to score a try from anything resembling structured football. Cartwright, Leilua. Peats and Tedesco should play just for starters. Jennings and Ferguson should never be allowed near a NSW team ever again!
Baz
Guest
No idea dailey has to go. You cant keep picking the guys who fail in the big moments. There are other options.
Fairdinkum
Roar Rookie
There in lies the problem.