The modern NRL coach speaks a lot about effort in post match interviews.
When the NSW and Queensland coaches were asked for a reason to explain their respective losses, they pointed to a shortfall by their players in ‘the effort areas.’
If a player represents their state in what is arguably the most intense contest in the world of rugby league, it is safe to assume that players are going to give a reasonable effort for the 80-minute duration.
How much effort is put in by each individual is the subject of intense scrutiny.
Modern sports science and high level video analysis enables coaching staff to drill down on a player and retrieve hard data to determine whether the effort was sufficient to justify continued selection.
Following widespread speculation on the reasons why Latrell Mitchell was omitted from the NSW Blues team for Origin 2 by coach Fittler, the NRL media team released a series of video clips highlighting areas where the Roosters centre could have done more in Origin 1.
It was no surprise that the Blues’ 38-6 demolition of the Maroons in Perth was backed up by the numbers in the Telstra Tracker. The technology showed that overall the NSW players averaged a higher intensity for ball-in-play time.
The tracker’s data driven player of the match was Mitchell’s replacement at left centre, Jack Wighton. Centre and middle forwards were the positions where the Blues showed superiority in terms of work rate.
James Maloney was outstanding for the Blues. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Queensland coach Kevin Walters has made three changes to the team that was humbled in Origin 2. While Kalyn Ponga’s injury will force a reshuffle, two forwards, Dylan Napa and Jarrod Wallace, have been dropped.
After Fittler made a number of changes for the Perth game, Walters was slightly smug in summing up the Queensland ‘pick and stick’ philosophy pointing out that loyalty has always been Queensland’s greatest asset to the media.
‘We’ve been very loyal. I have a great belief in this team and the only changes we’ve had have been forced,” Walters said.
To be fair to Kevvie one of the changes was to facilitate the return from injury of Joe Ofengahue who played a part in the Maroons victory in Game 1.
Queensland’s proud Origin record is on the line and despite the coach whisperer inspired rhetoric from Walters about looking forward to the game and being excited about the opportunity, he would understandably be feeling the pressure of potentially losing a series for the second year in a row.
In response to the selection changes Walters said to media “We’ve got to make tough calls sometimes, we weren’t up to scratch in Game 2.”
The cliché about a week being a lifetime in sport applies to NSW coach Freddy Fittler as he continues to bask in the knowledge that his team selections for Game 2 were spot on.
This time it’s the NSW coach who remained loyal to players that did the job in Perth to the point of not recalling David Klemmer to his squad. How much NSW miss Klemmer’s aggression and strong hit ups remains to be seen. As one of many who criticised Freddy for his selections in Game 2, I’m going to keep shtum on this one.
It may not be an issue, with Tariq Sims still to be cleared of suspension at the time of writing.
With Nathan Cleary a possible omission due to injury Fittler has the ideal replacement with Wade Graham who was just marvellous in Perth. If Cleary plays, Freddy has a solid halves pairing that are used to working together and the knowledge he can unleash the talented Graham onto the Maroons defence at any time.
With Ponga out injured Walters is keeping his cards close to his chest as to the exact line up that will take the field in Sydney. While Ponga’s impact for the Maroons this series has been largely restricted to the second half of Game 1 in Brisbane, it is the potential he brings in attack they will miss.
I’m sure the Blues won’t be unhappy that Kalyn is not roaming out on the edge at ANZ Stadium.
Kalyn Ponga will be out for the Maroons. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The question is whether Kevvie breaks up his halves pairing that were successful in Brisbane by sending Munster back to fullback. There are three other possibilities for the number one jumper.
Debutant Corey Norman and the Cowboys Michael Morgan, both playing in the halves currently at club level, or Moses Mbye who was shifted to centre from fullback recently at Wests Tigers.
If it was up to this wannabe conservative coach I would plump for the move that causes the least disruption. Mbye to fullback, Norman to start on the bench as a way of easing him into the Origin arena and Munster and Morgan to retain the positions they have played for the last two matches.
In the lead up to the decider, the Maroons will look to reproduce that famous Queensland spirit and comradeship. They may again shout out Queenslander! as they walk down the tunnel at ANZ Stadium. Freddy might instruct his squad to practice positive mindfulness so as they bring the right emotions into the game.
On Wednesday July 10 2019 in Sydney, the key to victory is likely to have a harder scientific edge, devoid of emotion or bias. Lifting the State of Origin shield at the end of the game will be the team that tops the effort and intensity numbers recorded in the ‘tracker.’
Stuart McLennan
Expert
Yes dropped on performance. Could argue about whether it was harsh but Freddy was proved right it seems. Nothing to do with their heritage
WarrenBungles
Guest
It would be different if Mitchell and Walker had blinders, , but alas , they both had duds.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Thanks for heads up. I forgot about Wade Graham but I was unaware of Jack Wighton having indigenous heritage. I'm still referring to him that as Jack "White-out" (no racist pun intended) due to the fact that he makes too many mistakes. ;-)
Tom
Guest
Jack Wighton and Wade Graham are both Indigenous as well.
WarrenBungles
Guest
What a load of rubbish.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
There's always a first time for everything Nat. This year could be your luck year. Manly went oh so close last year but pulled out of their death dive at the last second. This year the Broncos look like they are on their way to the knackery and Darius Boyd, would turned in a substandard performance last week even by Canterbury Cup standards, is playing again for the Broncos! There is nothing like a safe pair of hands and a trusted defender at custodian and the Broncos have nothing like that again at FB. LOL
Nat
Roar Guru
I'll have to take your word on it. Broncos never held the spoon, not even close. You'll need to take your boots off to count how many spoons your mob have earned. ;)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Sadly, THAT is precisely the reason GI claimed that he wanted to play for QLD at the time. The furore surrounding the "8th immortal's" racist tirade against Inglis in Blues camp that lead to a disgusted Timana Tahu leaving the camp and quitting the NSW squad further reinforced the belief that racism was entrenched within the NSW ranks. But that was just one person not the whole squad and it was an incident in isolation. Thankfully, those days are over with Latrell Mitchell (dropped), Cody Walker (hooked and then dropped), Blake Ferguson (recalled after being dropped) and Josh Addo-Carr (as yet to be dropped) all proud indigenous players who have all taken part in this year's Origin campaign.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
You see it on fan forums all the time when a coach and selectors have inferior cattle. '' The coach has no game plan and the selectors keep on selecting the wrong team" Manly played the Storm in Stormland last year and they didn't have the whisperer on board. The Storm were a rabble and got done.
Nat
Roar Guru
For all their potential, they are not there yet. Both coaches got exited over potential with these two without runs on the board. Fifita, I think he will turn into a prop as he gets older and fills out. Right now, he's used to running over kids and reserve graders so he tries to get tricky because he used to be able too. If I had him, I'd say tuck it under the wing for 2yrs, Harden up, take some hits and give some back to know where you are in relation to 1st grade men. Right now he's not hard because he's never had to be. Haas is a freak who is developing much faster than Fifita - mostly by simple play. He's throwing himself into the opposition pack. Sometimes he gets dominated but he comes back again. That cover tackle in SOO1, no other prop makes that tackle on Gagai. Well, one maybe but I won't put anyone up with Brick that easily.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Haven't you heard Nat? Like boxing, banter is a sweet science. Bob and weave and hit without being hit. Your "Better than Boyd" comment was the opening I needed for the "Darius counterpunch". Walker is down in confidence ATM and playing in a team that is out of form and missing key personnel. Now that Adam Reynolds is back and calling the shots Cody is free to play his own game and play himself back into form again. We are only just passed the halfway point of the season and Souths are still coming 2nd despite 4 straight losses. It's all about staying in contention and timing your finish to the season. So tick, and tick on both accounts. How are the Broncos going Nat? Any thoughts yet about a wooden spoon or are the Broncos pacing themselves as well for the run home and a crack at that dubious honour?
Brian George
Guest
Given NSWs poor treatment of players of colour GI would have got 2 games, been scapegoated and dropped. I reckon he knew that and jumped at the chance to play for Queensland.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
It’s funny Nat , you would think this is the first time we have been undergunned in an Origin game. They have chicken memory when it comes to any QLD side before 09.
Nat
Roar Guru
Missed the mark on Joey O, so shifty moves the posts Boyd - because we never discussed him at all. Your neighbours must get sick of the beeping from you constantly backing up. How's Walker doing mate? 9 tries in 8 games when they are playing the bottom teams. Plays Origin - dumped. Plays teams in form - no tries, no try assists and SC as low as 20. At least some stats have improved: errors and penalties conceded are well up. Maybe the influence of Jimmy the Jet is behind that. Speaking of, how is the speedster going for you? Scored one try and let in 5. How about when he used his speed to run down Chee-Kam last week? That is, after Chee-Kam ran through the hole he left. Oh wait, it didn't happen - and never will. He's a reserve grader and ol coach just bought another one to defend beside him.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
What do you reckon about Fifita.? I know he was good in O1 but I think he is just too immature for a spot in Origin atm. I guess it’s been a case of who else do we pick. He has all the ability in the world but In Origin you need players who can deal with adversity. Things are going to go against you at some stage and you better be mentally tough enough to stay in the game. He is Origin potential for sure and I hope he has a blinder but I just don’t think he is ready.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Too bad your maroon V6 isn't "superchaged" but charged with standard Eveready batteries instead! LOL
Nat
Roar Guru
IMO Haas should never have been there, same for Fifita for that matter. If anything Haas will be better because NSW lost in the manner they did insofar as understanding it needs an 80 min effort to win. Very few Broncos are showing that ATM. He'll be a rep player for a long time but he's not there yet.
Nat
Roar Guru
V8 is probably an apt description. All puff and noise at the start line. Spin the wheels a bit but come in strongly just to run out of petrol around the 65min mark. It's not the 80's mate, a superchaged V6 will eat a V8 everyday. ;)
Albo
Roar Rookie
Lots of outrage about Klemmer missing the initial Game 3 squad. But not one mention of Payne Haas who also debuted in Game 1 but was injured for Game 2. He wasn't a standout in game 1, but he did 9 hit ups for 66 m & 30 tackles for no misses in a single 40 minute stint in the heat of the match. I think he might be a big improver in his next Origin game. I'd have Haas before Sims on the bench.
Nat
Roar Guru
It's not lack of gratitude. He was a big part of a very big beast. At one time Qld had the 3 best props in Price, Petro and Scott supported by Parker. A spine of Smith JT, Locky and Slater w/ Cronk on the bench. Hodges & Falou. Inglis was huge but by no stretch did he ever carry Qld.