Queensland have put all doubters to rest by defeating New South Wales in Game 3 to win the 2020 State of Origin series.
It’s been well mentioned that the Blues have not won a decider in Brisbane since 2005 and the streak continues.
Despite what was dubbed as one of the weakest teams in Origin history, Queensland proved that no matter who puts on their jersey, they have developed a next man up mentality inspired by a culture which has transcended over eras.
While the scoreline suggests that it was a close encounter throughout the match, it does a disservice to Queensland’s overall performance.
The Maroons had dominated in multiple facets of the game. To be fair, the Blues did extremely well to hold out the Maroons to give themselves a chance. However, it could have been a larger deficit as some poor errors from Valentine Holmes at the tryline gave New South Wales life.
When you reflect on the Blues’ performance, they had one fortunate try come from a simple error conceded by Corey Allan. Then they had some nice linkup play allowing Daniel Tupou to score.
Queensland had 57 per cent possession throughout the game, and it seemed like they were on the front foot for the majority of the game especially in the first half. While some could say that the Blues didn’t have enough ball in the Maroons’ half, you have to give Queensland credit for limiting and shutting the Blues down.
Analysing the numbers further, the Maroons dominated the running metres and post-contact metres, making seven extra metres on average each set which adds up. Additionally, Queensland was causing havoc for New South Wales’ defence, producing 16 offloads to eight as well as five line-breaks compared to two for the Blues.
As I mentioned in my Game 3 preview, you had to expect that Queensland were going to come out firing at home, which is exactly what they did. It was always going to take a strong performance to dispatch Queensland and while they didn’t perform as badly as Game 1, the Blues just didn’t look likely.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Even for the majority of Corey Allan’s sin-bin, there didn’t seem to be any genuine scare placed on the Maroons’ defence.
James Tedesco leaving the field with concussion 19 minutes into the game will always bring up question marks over the potential outcome. Similar to Cameron Munster’s absence in Game 2, the gigantic task to overcome Queensland was always going to be tougher.
Seeing Isaah Yeo cover at centre wasn’t pretty and Clint Gutherson at fullback did as much as he could despite not being able to provide the attacking flair Tedesco does.
While the playmakers and outside backs were on fire in Game 2, it didn’t translate into Game 3. Nathan Cleary tried to be an aggressive threat with the ball and with his kicking game but to no avail. He had 19 runs during the game which was the most for any player on the night. On the other hand, Cody Walker was neutralised in Game 3 and was ineffective as the Maroons defence shut him down.
For the most part, New South Wales just couldn’t string together a consistent stretch of football which allowed them to attack Queensland in their territory. They were given opportunities such as Munster’s kick-off which was out on the full at 6-6 as well as Cleary’s 40/20 kick. Moreover, they had numerous opportunities down Queensland’s half where they made costly errors at crucial times.
One major concern would be the lack of impact that the Blues forward pack had. The whole series has relied heavily on their talented backline. While the outside backs haven’t stepped up in crucial moments, it’s the forwards that haven’t lived up to their potential to support the spine.
For the Maroons to secure a Game 3 victory, Munster was always going to be called upon to step up. He’s a big-game player who manages to conjure an opportunity out of nothing. His involvement in the leadup to Edrick Lee’s try late in the first half was a huge blow to the Blues and showcases Munster’s brilliance.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Well it certainly wasn't in 92/93. Lets say around the turns of the century.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Even money? Your bookie's a shyster, the rest were paying $3.80...
andrew
Roar Rookie
I'm sure if Walters was QLD coach they wouldn't have won. Bennett's first job was sacking Walters deputy, Justin Hodges. With Mal and Neil Henry in the mix, QLD were always an even money bet.
Phil
Roar Rookie
To me, the lost series comes down to overall management of the team. Everything from original selections in the 27 man squad, to final picks on game day and having the coaching ability to get the very best performances from each person. Fittler failed on most counts and listening to his post match interview is too pig-headed to realise saying he wouldn't change a thing if he had his time over. There has been speculation as to why David Klemmer was omitted from the first 27, but he would have been one to fire up his team. The problem in the halves was debated, dissected, discussed only to have the solution to the problem already in the team playing out of position. Two specialist centres were in the squad, both of whom have the talent to do the job but, Freddie, being Freddie, went for another barefoot walk in the grass to feel the earth's energy between his toes and opted to play blokes in positions other than what they specialise. The halftime snapshots of each coach in their respective dressing rooms shows the master v the pupil with the master, of course, showing how it's done. Bennett's man management skills have been known for decades, skills that can't be taught and it's this area where he is streets ahead of Fittler. I have no doubt a different QLD coach would have lost that series and comments from the likes of Paul Gallen and other media types would have been justified. Fittler said it was Cameron Munster that was the difference between the two, but that comment was a flimsy smokescreen to shroud his own shortcomings as a coach.
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
It had to be before that. After moving to Queensland from Victoria in 2004, I had my first foray into league in 2005 playing for my school team. I remeber the coach saying that there was no inside/outside centre anymore, just left/right. So the change had to have happened a few years before that. Personally, I don't see why teams don't do a bit more of shifting their forwards to one side and backs to another when in attack. Doesn't need to be all the time, but you could create a few mismatches and more space for backs.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Well Reed kind of let us down in defense a lot, but he did play in a Grand Final team so he was better than our current guy.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Nah, left right came in really in 2006 when Benny had a limited attack so built the team on defense and Locky/Hunt doing their thing. At least I think that is when it too hold.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Pearl was prodominently right but I think that was about the time they started to play L & R wasn't it? Pearl and Johns did link up on plenty of ocasions. I'll give you Reed, much like Opacic, not going to fill the highligt reels but won't let you down.
Rellum
Roar Guru
The Pearl was left side wasn't he, although back then it was inside/outside not left/right. Since the whole left right thing came in in the middle of the noughties maybe Jack Reed could get offloads away from a one on one.
bbt
Roar Rookie
Agree totally. Plus good centres know when to come in to defend and when to stay out. They rarely leave their wingers like shags on a rock. Bennett got it, Fittler didn't.
Nat
Roar Rookie
ala Brisbane's left side since, umm, Johns?
Rellum
Roar Guru
I think it shows again just how little creative and tactical thinking goes into the NRL/League. Centre is probably the one position that will get you the most one on ones in a game. That opens up so many opportunities.
Nat
Roar Rookie
The issue with the centers is the devaluing of the position. Forever and a day a good center is the team's strike weapon (GI, Latrell, BJ, Crichton, Staggs). Natural centers have an instinct, they are try scorers and they have the where-abouts to know what others centers are going to do. Each position is a defined skill set and as good as some players are, their skills may not align with the position.
browndog
Roar Rookie
Agree Nelson. Bennett did a stellar job on the whole. His zen like calm under pressure seems to have rubbed off on many of those he’s coached. A true master at blending youth and experience as you’ve suggested. There was a fair whack of talent unavailable to him as well, which makes Fittlers job next year all the more challenging. He seriously missed a trick this year, and that may well come back to haunt him. Just like Harry will for years to come!
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
There is something wrong with the Blues’ centres, they just did not work-out and that was in all 3 games. For the 3 games the Blues kept the same ineffectual centre combination and it just didn’t work, and most likely won’t work for the next if they were to play again. Similarly the Blues’ forwards lacked that aggression and speed in game 3 needed for Origin, perhaps only Angus Crichton and Damian Cook where the only two exceptions, the others were not singing from the same hymn book. Unfortunately Cameron Murray was injured early on in game 1, his aggression and fast play the balls were the missing ingredient to what appeared to be an unimaginative, slow, and ineffectual forward pack. Payne Haas runs and never offloads (predictable), Junior Paulo runs and tries to offload (predictable). With the centres misfiring and the forwards flat then all the pressure was on the halves (unfairly) for all 3 games . The halves did their best, but cant be expected to perform with ineffectual centre backs and forwards. The current Blues combination is very good, on their day, unstoppable. The Cleary-Walker partnership a a natural fit, totally workable and very similar to the Cleary-Luai / Reynolds-Walker club partnerships which have been without doubt the best in the NRL this year- both proven match winning combinations. I agree, Freddy has to get back to the drawing board. As for Game 3 the main difference was the individual brilliance of Munster, he was a 10/10 everyone else (on both sides) much less. Everything else was just rounding error.
Nelson Sing
Roar Guru
In my initial draft that i believe was edited out, I mentioned that its frightening that Queensland was able to provide great exposure to their youngsters and they can also bring in some established talent who could fight their way back into the Origin side. It was great that Bennett selected Harry Grant. It was a bold but positive move. You never know how debutants will perform with high stakes but it was clear he was always going to shake things up more than Ben Hunt. Meanwhile, NSW played one of their strongest 17's and couldn't get the job done. They'll have to be disappointed that Game 1 wasn't a quality performance and cost them this series. Now they're going to have to regroup in 2021 and recover from a major setback.
browndog
Roar Rookie
Freddy has some soul searching to do following this series. He needs to change something in his selection process. Blues were extremely fortunate not to be embarrassed in Brisbane. Their defence for the most part and Vals hands kept them within sight, but it was a pretty comprehensive win across the park. By the sounds of it, the crowd also played their part in lifting the Maroons. How good was it to see a near capacity stadium!