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NSW will aim for a State of Origin three-peat in Brisbane, with the only other Blues teams to have pulled off the feat having also won a decider in Queensland.
Brad Fittler has told NSW to channel the state’s greats of 1994 and 2005 as they try to repeat their heroics of claiming a State of Origin three-peat in Queensland.
The Blues’ 34-10 win over the Maroons on Wednesday night kept the series alive, forcing a third decider in four years.
But it won’t come easy for them at Suncorp Stadium next week.
NSW have won just two of 11 deciders in Brisbane, with those coming way back in 1994 and 2005.
And it’s not lost on Fittler that those years are also the only two times the Blues have completed three straight series wins, a feat they are also chasing next week.
“It’s a great challenge,” Fittler said.
“They like a challenge. The only two times we have won three in a row we have had to go to Queensland, won it there in 2004 and 1995.
“We are comparing ourselves to those two teams which are great teams.
“It’s a great challenge for them.”
Fittler himself was part of the 1994 side that claimed the state’s first win in a decider at the old Lang Park, but played in losses in 1991 and 2001.
NSW were dominant on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium, with Nathan Cleary enjoying his best game in Blues colours and Cody Walker getting his redemption.
They completed at 91 per cent and after Queensland had the better of the opening 15 minutes the Blues played 80 per cent of the game at the Maroons’ end.
But there is a feeling that they must be better again next week.
“It’s exciting,” Tedesco said.
“It will be a massive challenge.
“We know Queensland will come out fighting at home. It will probably come down to the last minute like last year.
“We were good tonight, but we have to lift again. It’s not going to be any easier up there in Queensland.”
Meanwhile, Queensland coach Wayne Bennett insisted that just as his team lost their way in seven days, it would be easy to get it back just as quick.
But Maroons legend Wally Lewis has warned that Suncorp Stadium could not be treated as an automatic advantage for Queensland.
“Playing at home at Suncorp Stadium could almost lull the team into a false sense of security,” Lewis said on Nine.
“We’ve got to remember, of course, that it won’t guarantee success, particularly with the way that NSW played this evening.
“That was a wonderful performance from them.
“I doubt there will be many changes made to their side and they’ll certainly be fielding a very similar team which will almost have too much for Queensland.”
© AAP
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