On Wednesday night, Queensland overcame an 8-0 deficit to score three tries on the trot and win the opening match of the Origin series 18-14.
NSW were good in the first half, but despite holding Queensland scoreless, they were lucky as the Maroons bombed three certain tries.
For the first 30 minutes of the second half, Queensland were in control. It was only prior to Jack Wighton throwing the intercepted pass to Dane Gagai were NSW in any threat.
Kalyn Ponga’s first miss of the night saw Queensland take a 12-8 lead but a matter of minutes later, the dynamic Newcastle and Queensland custodian set up his second try of the night to send Gagai over for his second try.
New South Wales fought back to make it 18-14 with Jake Trbojevic’s try underneath the posts, successfully getting the ball on the ground despite efforts from Manly team-mate and Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans. The Maroons held off the Blues to take the first match with the 18-14 victory.
So the question amongst us New South Wales supporters is how did it all go wrong? I have a three ideas that come to mind.
1. David Klemmer off for the final 25
Klemmer shouldn’t have played for the full 80. Given his strike power and ruthless aggression, no doubt he could pull it off, but he’s only human, not an actual terminator.
The moment he went off, Queensland were dominant and New South Wales could barely make much ground. It would have made more sense to rest David Klemmer for the first 15 minutes of the second half then unleash him again for the final 25.
2. Jack Wighton on the field for Cody Walker
I don’t mind Jack Wighton on the field, but the idea to throw him on in place of a halves player was a questionable call.
I would have put him on as a lock forward so it’s like an extra playmaker on the field.
Cody Walker on debut was one of the best for New South Wales. This kind of stuff has worked before.
Brad Fittler played a handful of games at lock for Blues with mixed results. In my Blues dream team, he’d be my lock and Brett Kenny for five-eighth.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
3. Poor left edge defence
The right Queensland flank was given endless opportunities, despite only one paying off. They bombed two tries there and had they been a success, the Maroons would have scored anywhere between 26 and 30 on Wednesday.
There was miscommunication between Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr.
Despite the loss, I don’t think any player should be dropped for the Blues.
A few unfortunate mistakes led to Queensland coming away with the win.
Given the Blues’ focus on aiming to extend the lead as opposed to defending it, I see a different NSW side running on the turf in Perth for yet another tight thriller. I expect Brad Fittler’s men to have the edge and send it to Sydney for a decider.
Queensland may have taken the lead but New South Wales now have to strike back or they’ll fail to achieve back-to-back success.
Col in paradise
Guest
Fittler panicked......simple...
Col in paradise
Guest
Hello folks...what about Cleary ...he was hopeless.....
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Ba ha ha ahaaaa :)
Wayne Turner
Guest
All: Brad Fittler. The alleged coach,that made all these bad decisions.
qwetzen
Roar Rookie
He should have imagined that the ball was the woman in the Big Papi clip. He had a good grip on her...
Insider
Roar Rookie
That would be a pleasure DP
souvalis
Roar Rookie
PS you really, really need to google ‘catapult sports and the NRL ‘ if you think that game fatigue isn’t measured by the wearable technology in the players’ jersies..used by every single club in the NRL..
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Those two need to get a room.........
Insider
Roar Rookie
Let’s not forget what you did to Panthers and Danielle, a life barring from the other side, poor form Reg
Insider
Roar Rookie
Sorry but here I’ve only ever been “insider” Over their I’m “outsider” wrong again Reg banned Nero banned SSTID banned Sstid_1970 banned Milton Toaster banned Bronco Matt banned Get it right two bags dancing with your little mate who wouldn’t answer your calls lol
souvalis
Roar Rookie
25 tackles and 12 runs..so 37 contacts of varying sorts in 51 minutes..including a half time break and non involvement in the notoriously fast opening 20 minutes... Yet, the man according to stats who’s played 91% of his games this year with a 30 minute opening stanza and ‘logically’ must be ready to fall over, cruises up at the 75 th minute, sprints thru the Maroon line and finds Turbo off his hip to go over and do exactly what the coach was planning he’d do, provide the legs..how was that 6 point plan bad coaching ? By your own admission Walker wasn’t going well, not many would’ve disagreed with swinging Wighton in there, but once he threw the 12 point turn around ball the game dynamics demanded the side prioritize attack.. Cody comes back with a directive , minutes later puts Murray into space for Turbo ! Again, exactly what the coach was after ! Really, BA, both moves bore results..where is the royal stuff up here ? Klemmer on the other hand is a mystery..Who knows what happened there..but Qld won with an ‘attacking defence’ in the second half that wasn’t reciprocated..Klemmer’s presence wouldn’t have nullified that..
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
CS, perhaps we should combine those 2 names and just call him "Alex Glenn". LOL
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I don't cyber-stalk, I get cyber-stalked. You and the queen of the shadows prove that time and time again.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Silvertail47 - banned Liatrevlis - banned MW47 - banned The Barry (ZT profile) - banned AngryEagle47 - banned AE47 - banned Insider - soon to be modded then banned You are only posting on ZT as Eastern Bunnies, so WHO is the chameleon?
Insider
Roar Rookie
Kosta Choo Choo was barred from ZT for stalking the above mentioned, I am still posting unlike “AE47” and “SSTID, Reg,Nero” Very very angry is Choo Choo
Rob
Guest
Like Jimmmy said it wasn’t just Chambers and Gagai worrying NSW’s left. Morgan and Oats could have easily had 3 tries down NSW’s right edge.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Same with dandragon (aka "danielle" from ZT). She was the original "Alex Forrest", Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction"). Shall we call Insider/AE47, Glenn or Alex? LOL They BOTH wanted to boil me in a pot on the stove like that poor white bunny rabbit in the movie!
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Hey Papi I know this is a disturbing thought and I don't want to give you nightmares, but I think Insider may be secretly in love with you. He follows you around on this site like a devoted puppy.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Master coach Twent is forming a fine combination with Disco Des at Manly and I've heard rumors that they are about to extend his contract.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
To be fair, Reynolds had a small fracture in his back that he played through. Apparently he got it early in the Parra game. It no doubt affected his performance.