What a difference four points makes.
Queensland head to Perth for Origin two settled and keen to improve on their Game 1 performance.
New South Wales, on the other hand…
After their 14-18 Game 1 loss, I didn’t think NSW needed to make wholesale changes outside of those required by injury. It wasn’t a common opinion, particularly in the heat of the result.
So I’ve been bemused by Brad Fittler’s seven changes and even more surprised by the decision to can Latrell Mitchell, a genuine game breaker.
But even the most fired up, ‘sack ‘em all’ type of internet forum commenter had to be shocked at the decision to blow up the joint.
Three changes have been forced by injury, with Nick Cotric, David Klemmer and Payne Haas to miss at least Game 2 and maybe Game 3. Fittler and his crew now have four days left to shoehorn those seven changes into the side with the series on the line, including two brand new centres.
A pairing of Manly’s Tom Trbojevic and Canberra’s Jack Wighton, who collectively have played a grand total of six games in the position.
Tom ‘Trytime’ Trbojevic of the Blues. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Not to say they can’t do the job, mind you. But it’s a big, big ask with the series on the line.
Queensland may not have made significant changes to the on-field setup but they’re reaping the benefits of Kevin Walters putting a broom through the back office over summer – which included punting Maroons icon Trevor Gillmeister from the coaching staff.
Walters then brought in a bunch of barely retired Origin greats – Justin Hodges is Walters’ assistant coach, Petero Civoniceva is the team manager. Eventual Immortals Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater come to camp and impart their knowledge before heading back to Channel Nine’s broadcast team, where they are happy to talk but give little away.
Fittler has Greg Alexander (last played for NSW in 1997), Danny Buderus (2008) and Andrew Johns (2005) in his support crew. They’re also constantly on television as part of broadcast teams, happily answering questions and getting into debates about selection, a player’s performance and any number of other things that maybe they should keep schtum about.
Alexander, in particular, had an uncomfortable time after Origin 1, when he was drilled with questions about Mitchell’s preparation and mindset. As Alexander sought to defend the Roosters star Fittler was in the press as well, saying Mitchell “needs to work on his motivation” and suggesting the Roosters were unhappy with him (they say that’s wrong).
Watching over this is the omnipotent Phil Gould, Fittler’s mentor. He’s NSW’s most strident critic and most passionate defender. As Ryan O’Connell pointed out yesterday, Gould may no longer be formally involved in the Blues setup, but his knowledge and willingness to share it is rarely ignored.
Phil Gould (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Walters has left his Queensland squad in no doubt that they need to do better, saying to the media “After reviewing the game [at Suncorp] I would probably give it a five, or maybe if I am being kind a six out of ten, and the players are aware of this.”
For all the jokes about ‘coach whisperer’ Bradley Charles Stubbs and the methods employed by Walters to prepare his team, it has worked. After a series to adjust to life without Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, Thurston and co. Queensland have switched back to a ruthless, committed crew, a relentless machine created to win Origin games and do nothing else.
Maybe it’s because they’re (deliberately) not interesting, maybe it’s because they’re all too ‘on message’ and closed up, maybe it’s because the rest just don’t bother trying to get much info out of the Maroons camp, but outside of ‘Kevin Walters is a loon’ articles, I could count the number of press pieces about the Queensland side before Origin 1 and still have some fingers and thumbs left over.
NSW reacted to a four-point loss by publicly berating Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker. They’ve axed half the squad. They’ve stocked up on second rowers including Wade Graham and Tariq Sims, undoubted talents who are also a genuine chance to give away a bonehead penalty at a critical moment. They’ve named players in completely foreign positions.
They’re bringing back Blake Ferguson, the same Blake Ferguson who got on the piss last time he was playing Origin, who ghosted the Blues’ pre-season camp without telling Fittler and who is capable of a match-turning error as much as he is a match-winning play.
One of those stories is much more interesting than the other.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
NSW centres dominate in game two and NSW go on to win the series. The carrot munching lunatic , Fittler , had you lot covered.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Yes, the win didn't suprise me, Ray. Wet track and Qld's preference to play on wide had me thinking they would play a tight one-out style. It seems Fittler thought that too and came up with a game plan that rattled Qld. NSW's balls skills were exceptional at times.. Bring on game three.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
Told you NSW were going get them!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
That's "Insider" information with a capital. Can you be sure that Seibold didn't leave the ground early? Was he in the shot of the dressing room post-game? I hear he facetimed his post-match media conference in from his iPhone while he was driving over the Gateway bridge! LOL
Nat
Roar Guru
I've got you covered no matter where you shift them. I'll stick to the facts and you can continue with the conspiracy theories based on 'insider' information. LOL Tell me when Seibold ever left the game early? He did leave the box to get to the sheds for half time on one occasion against the Eels, is that what you are referring too? Not really " walking out on the team" is it? The old coach usually leaves 10mins before the half so he can get there on time. If this was a game of tennis, you wouldn't have scored a point. This is '13 Inglis v Merritt (his only SOO game). I'll give you 1 point for trying but 18points have been scored on you.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
The goal posts don't shift. They are always right where I want them to be. If I'm unarmed then why are you the one who is frantically trying to recover their argument, particularly if I'm so 'armless? At least ol' man Bennett has never walked out on his team while they are still playing. It's bad enough that the Broncos fans are doing it without their coach trying to follow suit. New balls... your serve! LOL
Nat
Roar Guru
That's a knock down? Baaahahahaha 2nd place on the ladder and your best is on the same points Milford - running 12th. "but but he's played one more game..." You should be embarrassed not highlighting fact. 2019 Dally M coach of the year? Wrong again "Kodi has gone up 2 gears..." With 2 wins and a loss to the Broncos - in NZ! Yeah mate, he's on fire!! I'm surprised the old fella didn't buy him as well. bahahaha. At least I'm honest with where my team is. Your team loses it's Greenberg, it's the refs and all a big conspiracy. You lose an argument and you shift the goal posts. I think we all know what the score is. In this battle of wits, you've come unarmed.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"your boys are Bronco left overs and poms... and the old coach" And they are still coming 2nd on the ladder after 3 straight losses while the Broncos have the "2019 Dally M coach of the Year" and their pick of the best Broncos talent and are currently coming 12th! Face it Nat, your Broncos can't win games of football so your are settling for trying to win arguments instead... and you are STILL behind on the scoreboard! LOL Keep setting em' up Nat and I'll keep knocking em' down. ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"Milf is on the same Dally M points as Reynolds" But Milford has played 13 games to Reynolds' 12 and Reynolds has been playing injured, on one leg. So Reynolds is ahead on averages. And Cody Nikorima has gone up two gears since joining the Warriors and since he doesn't have Seibold or Milford (the highest paid Canterbury Cup player in the NRL) holding him back. Set em' up and I'll knock em' down again Nat.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
Right Kurt, I wouldn't be drawing a line through this NSW side just yet. Kevvie knows this and he's more anxious now than ever. He knows they'll be coming for them. It'll be a whole new beast for qld. NSW is brewing, simmering behind the curtains, and it's going to be an ambush with masterclass. If NSW get a head again by 8, they won't get run down!
Nat
Roar Guru
So you're going to narrow the scope to suit your argument? I get the cardinal & mertyl glasses but to believe Roberts has improved is just kidding yourself. You've lost both games he's been involved in and he was a direct contributor to that. You bag Milford but he's had an under performing half in Kodi and 2 rookies to play off. How has Walker gone without Reynolds making him look good? 0-2, that's how. How'd he go in Origin? Reckon he'll aim up in G2 - oh wait... Freddy had to drag an old bloke from rep exile and 14th on the ladder to fill his role. BTW, Milf is on the same Dally M points as Reynolds. Face it mate, your boys are Bronco left overs and poms (when they're on the park). You can have Su'A, Jet, Gagai, Allen and the old coach.
Nat
Roar Guru
Take it easy mate, it's a pretty standard medical procedure not a body part, function, body image, race, colour or creed comment. You did just compare me to a fat little kid from 'Up' and challenged me to step it up! Even the Ruiz comment was about his physical appearance more than his boxing ability wasn't it? Is that playing the ball or the man? If I did have body weight or image issues I could have taken far more offence to that than being referred too as a medical procedure that is clearly a play on words. You've shot off personal insults at Qlders and Broncos fans (and everyone else) on many occasions and under many pseudonyms. Most other long-term Roarers still don't give you much because of this. Under 'Papi Smurf' you seemed to have calmed down significantly and that's why I'm interacting with you. I enjoy the banter mate. However, I will withdraw the comment. It's not my intention to cause such offence
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
As Eddie Murphy once said, "Yes, but what have they done lately?" In 2019 their form has been worthy if the Canterbury Cup. At least Roberts has improved after coming to Souths. The others haven't.
Nat
Roar Guru
Are we comparing? Boyd: 2 x premiership winner & CC medalist. Qld and Australian Rep Milford: Grand finalist. 2 x Qld rep, 6 x Samoan Rep Bird: Premiership winner & 5 x NSW rep Roberts: 3 x NSW rep and series winner. Walker: Maybe the only half to get hooked during a SOO match.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Well done guys. You could have just posted my initial comment without me having to resubmit and address it to "Big Brother"! Or better still, you could take me out of moderation. It's been several months now for crying out loud!!!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
@ editors/modetators If a "Guru" can be allowed to use such an offensive term (that is bound to be copied and repeated if not censored) then surely I should be allowed the right of reply? I have no problem with Nat returning serve but to reduce my profile name to a level that will be offensive to all women surely is a step too far. Either allow my reply or remove the term "Pap-smear" from Nat's post. I have no problem with the rest of it. And while we are on the subject of censorship and moderation (in light if the aforementioned) how about giving me a break from MONTHS of being moderated? Consistency is important and right now I am one of the regular contributors to this site but the most heavily scrutinised and censored. It has gone on long enough! Feel free to remove the above and post the rest. I have no complaint about Nat other than this one misstep. --------------------------------------------- Pap-smear? Really Nat? I usually report teenage trolls for that. It's more offensive to women than me personally and there ARE limits mate. I'm sure there are women in your life who would not be impressed with that. I don't come at you like that Nat. There are some lines you can't cross. Clean up your game Nat. Remember when you said, "play the ball not the man"? Well, you just dropped the ball son. Even Andy Ruiz won without having to hit below the belt. You knew I was only joking. And bear in mind, I stop reading posts when I see that vulgar cheap shot. Do better next time mate.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"He’d be a SOO superstar by now [playing for the Broncos]" You mean like Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford, Jack Bird and James Roberts who the Broncos turned into reserve graders? What happened there Nat?
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Pap-smear? Really Nat? I usually report teenage trolls for that. It's more offensive to women than me personally. I'm sure there are women in your life who would not be impressed with that. I don't come at you like that brother. There are some lines you can't cross. Clean up your game Nat. Because Ali had class and after that cheap shot having just 3 letters in your name is all the two of you have in common. Remember that champ. Remember when you said, "play the ball not the man"? Well, you just dropped the ball son. Even Andy Ruiz won without having to hit below the belt. You knew I was only joking. And bear in mind, I stop reading posts when I see that vulgar cheap shot. Do better next time mate.
Nat
Roar Guru
They make them for 'seniors' as well. He looks like he needs them, he's constantly got the sh.i.t.s. We all know where Cody would rather be playing. He'd be a SOO superstar by now. Instead he's the latest Nathan Merritt of NSW.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"We’ll bring Cody home" Casino, NSW. THAT's in QLD! LOL "At least a 4yo has the ability to get excited" Be careful Seibold doesn't wet himself then if he gets too excited! Huggies Drynites for Boys Convenience 4-7 Years are on special at Woolies ATM. LOL You are fortunate that the Rabbitohs have been through Seibold's toddler tantrum phase for you. That dummy spit before walking out on Souths was epic! Yes, old Papa Smurf has the tendency to nod off from time to time. I remember when they cut to the coach's box when Bennett was coaching England and they were playing the Kiwis in the UK and Papa Smurf was asleep! Eyes closed, chin on chest, woolen blanket over his lap and a cup of warm cocoa and a red and white shawl over his shoulders to help keep him warm. He woke up at halftime and saw England walking off the field and asked if St George was ahead on the scoreboard. Bahahahahahahaha That's the reason why Bennett is usually so calm after a loss Nat. He doesn't remember the scoreline. ;-)