NSW second-rower Wade Graham has joined coach Laurie Daley in backing the current Blues team to flip the State of Origin script next year.
As the post-mortem continues in the Blues’ latest series defeat to Queensland on Wednesday, Graham is adamant their game three side is still the team to end the drought.
The Origin career of Mitchell Pearce is again under intense scrutiny after suffering his seventh straight attempt to the Maroons, while their forward pack has also been criticised.
Graham suggested fringe players Jack de Belin, Jordan McLean and Dale Finucane, all of whom were brought into camp for the game three, could step up next year.
Asked if they were still the team to turn the Origin tide around, Graham said: “Definitely.
“Obviously the group through all three games, and the guys in camp like Jack De Belin, Jordan McLean, and young (Tom) Trbojevic and Dale Finucane coming in.
“There’s a core group there of 20 to 21 players good enough to get the job done.”
Rookie Jake Trbojevic was arguably the Blues’ best forward of the campaign to be one of the few players to have enhanced his credentials in the representative arena.
He was one of a number of players angered by what was their worst display of the series.
“Pretty disappointed, we came here with a lot of expectation, especially being a decider. To toss up a performance like that, it’s frustrating,” he said.
The majority of the playing squad also admitted the series shouldn’t have reached a decider.
“It sounds a bit cliched but you’ve got to play for the full 80 minutes. That second game, we were probably the better team for most of that game,” he said.
“To come away with a loss was pretty frustrating, they were on top from the first minute. It’s such a quality team.”
Five-eighth James Maloney was gutted with the defeat and scathing of the NSW effort.
“It’s hard to cop. To get to the biggest stage, the decider, and turn out your worst performance like that. It is horrible,” he said.
“It’s not good enough to be honest. You represent a lot of people when you pull on that blue jersey. I think NSW deserve better, Laurie and the staff deserve better.”
Raugeee
Guest
Cordner?
Fiddlesticks
Guest
True HK. Was a time the maroons lost 3 zip in a row during the time of johns and everyone thought SOO dead! Now it's 11 outa 12 the maroons way.. too much of losses for them Bloosers! Bottom line hold the coach, selectors & players accountable starting with the obvious duds!
JohnB
Guest
Cordner?
Dave
Guest
Sorry, I had to re-read your post. I think you got to the heart of it when you concluded that it's Queensland's fault that NSW didn't win. Phew, so simple when you think about it.
Dave
Guest
In Queensland we love that Wade Graham plays for NSW! Constructive enough?
Hopeless Knight
Guest
Back before QLD won 11 out of the last 12 series NSW were doing the unthinkable and on their way too winning 4 in a row. Smith, Thurston, Slater and Cronk were far from origin stars. Mal had threatened to drop Lockyer and if he didn't turn things around lead from the front he wouldn't be playing origin the next year. Yes Lockyer the future immortal! Yet when people questioned NSW its blasphemy. None of these NSW players are close to Lockyers playing stock yet we can't ask for them to be sacked because 11 out of 12 isn't their fault its QLDs for being too good. Those players first mentioned thrived origin ever since. They were given a chance, something NSW doesn't give other halves or players made for origin. Constantly saying that their players tried but QLD have the greatest spine ever or they play together all the time. Origin players are made in origin not in the NRL. Look how many QLD players from over years would never make the Aussie side but have stepped up every time in origin. NSW just don't get it. Time for major changes from the top to bottom. Stop the excuses that NSW aren't good enough. Start making the coach and poor gameplay and players selection accountable. Yes one out hit ups for a mid field bomb eith no pressure is a terrible game plan. Mitch Pearce should never play origin again. He is not a origin halfback. No direction and does not have a good kicking game. He kicks will never challenge Slater if they are mid field bombs what don'teven stay in the air long enough do the chasers can pressure him. NSW need repeat sets and to threaten 40/20s . NSW need organization when attacking the QLD line. These are all basics a 7 does all in which he doesn't in origin. I like Pearce and sorry to single him out as he gets enough crap but it is warranted as he has never performed in a origin game.
Fiddlesticks
Guest
I know the blues do try their best! But you can't be responsible for significant turning points in not one but two games when you have the upper hand? Then come out later when you lost and say you can do better! Reckon the better team would be minus your efforts period..
Raugeee
Guest
Good to see the Roar Crowd got it right QLD by 6pts. Yeah ! http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/07/11/state-of-origin-2017-expert-tips-and-predictions-nsw-blues-vs-queensland-maroons-game-3/
Agent11
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Sharkette... NSW had the same spine for all 3 games. QLD had a different number 6 in each game and a different fullback in game 1. They also blooded several other new players this year so your comment is way off the mark.
Raugeee
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Phil Gould got it right after the match on Wednesday night. QLD have a leadership group that the new players can look to for guidance. QLD used an unprecedented 27 players this series. 4 debutants in Game 2 at Stadium Australia. Even being down by 10 points at half time, a deficit that has not been run down since 1982, the young players picked themselves up and won the 2nd half 12-0. Amazing. Paul Gallen tried his heart out for NSW. Great player that he is, captaincy never suited him. I remember first realising this in the 2013 RL World Cup final v New Zealand. He just quietly went about his business destroying the Kiwis midfield. They struggled to get out of their own 25m all night and Gal didn't even rate a mention after the game. I bet he prefers it that way.
Oingo Boingo
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The expression my dear Sharkette ,,,Is a "Well oiled machine ". I think it was NSW that more resembles an oily rag.
Raugeee
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Yes - Fiddlesticks - stripping is a lazy option. Graham knew the refs were on to him too as they pinged him in Game 2. I reckon Graham is emblematic of the mental problems NSW had going into Game 2 & 3. Graham's first Origin was Game 3 last year. NSW were the beneficiaries of a whopping 12-3 penalty count and won in the last minute with a freakish try against the exhausted QLD defence. Graham's 2nd Game was Game 1 this year - a perfect storm for NSW - QLD with very poor selections and Fifita in rare rampaging form. Graham looked like a champion that night, his classy skills really shining behind a dominant pack. I knew the furnace of a true Origin competition would see him melt away. He did, as did the rest of the NSW team who thought they merely had to turn up to win.
Sharkette
Guest
WOW !! Well there is the answer everyone .. We blame only certain players for the demise of the NSW side . As usual !!! It wouldn't be that the NSW team turns up year after year facing the same line up of Storm and QLD players who have played along side of each other for almost 10 years.. With the exception of restructure this year . However look at the choice of players again familiar faces from the storm ,QLD and a 1 off Val Holmes .. Continuity and experience has proven year after year to be far greater than changing our players around .. Don't blame the players .. To be quite honest it's people like you guys who tarnish rugby league .. Please share a more constructive view instead of destructive..
Sharkette
Guest
WOW .. Very hostile comments from Fidflesticks and Agent 11.. In stead of trashing the players why don't you say some constructive comments in stead of destructive .. It's a systemic problem within the NSW camp.. would love to hear your conclusive outcome .. The players turn up and do their best .. Unfortuneately all the NSW team lack the simple understanding of playing as a team . And that is not their fault . Continuity is the answer and we have not had that for years .. unlike QLD who field the same side mostly Storm and Qld players year after year .. It's a well oiled rag and a fantastic one at that .
Agent11
Guest
Doesn't one of these underperforming losing players say this every year? Maybe in 2023 NSW can win a series and one of their players will say "see, told you we could turn it around".
Fiddlesticks
Guest
I am sure the blues can Wade. Providing they remove you first for your stupidity in games 2&3.. stripping is always a penalty and especially when the blues were on a roll & the maroons on the ropes.. your insane brain explosions released the pressure and resulted in tries! Silly brainiac!