Angus Crichton has rubbished suggestions NSW could get complacent in pursuit of the State of Origin series following their record-breaking win in Townsville.
A 50-6 victory over Queensland in Origin I has backed the Maroons into a must-win game at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night to keep the series alive.
And given the Blues’ track record at the ground, it could be fodder for the home side to stage an ambush.
Brad Fittler has lost all three games as NSW coach at Suncorp Stadium, while the Blues have won just five of the past 23 games on the hallowed turf.
Sydney Roosters star Crichton missed the record victory in Townsville through suspension but takes heed of the warning, saying there is no chance the Blues will be complacent.
“I won’t feel that complacency, I wasn’t out there on the field so I’m raring to go and I feel like everyone’s got that same mentality,” he told Fox Sports.
“We understand that game was a long time ago in rugby league terms so we’re ready to go.”
Crichton felt the sting of his Blues teammates in Friday night’s 38-12 loss to Penrith – a side that has been the opposite of complacent for the past two NRL seasons.
The six Panthers stars who dominated Origin I will again bring the energy and confidence to camp in Kingscliff this week.
Halfback Nathan Cleary in particular.
“He’s got the ball on a string at the minute, so it’ll be good fun linking up with him,” Crichton said.
“I saw that from the other side of the field last week.
“Even just at training today, the way he’s passing the ball and kicking the ball.
“I can’t wait to get out there and make good use of him.”
Crichton has been named on the bench for Sunday’s clash along with Jack Wighton, Payne Haas and Liam Martin.
Nat
Roar Guru
Haha! No, we know that’s not true. NSW had their head stuck so far up their own A the only time they looked up north was when we took our players back and flogged you ever since. The best skill NSW has is a short memory.
Joey
Guest
Is that all, NSW have been laughing since 1907.
Nat
Roar Guru
You been giggling silly all week? Enjoy it champ. Qld have been laughing at NSW for 40yrs!
Joey
Guest
Was bloody hilarious, Game I, how the toads were all chirping about their chances pre-game, and impersonating road-kill from the opening whistle on. Good on ya, buddy. Keep us in fits.
mushi
Roar Guru
I thought it tasted like Cleary's chin sweat in November
mushi
Roar Guru
Mitchell isn't complacent he's just variable. To be frank though if only half of them are complacent we're still making piggy sounds like deliverance
mushi
Roar Guru
Agree with both your view and the "they always say it" I don't think they will be... but I also think that answer would be given either way.
Nat
Roar Guru
Haha, I do love how the cockroaches instictively bring in all the excuses in the world for losing before the game starts. It's like they have been repeatedly between by the worst team ever!
The Sports Lover
Roar Rookie
The problem with complacency is that it’s invisible, has no smell or taste …….until the curtain goes up.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Perfectly said...
PB Meister
Roar Rookie
Supposed complacency is the buzzword QLD can pin their hopes on. It’s the only hope they’ve got. Filter and the boys are primed for a big one. Maroons… we’ll they going down… :silly:
Short Memory
Guest
Absolutely. We don't want them 'not complacent'. We want them jumping out of their skin, fired up, chewing the furniture, steaming for revenge and ready to fight for the full 80 to get it. They need to expect a typical QLD ambush, with a typical Sutton leg-up, backed by a stadium full of two-headed, one-eyed Queenslanders (don't ask me how that works biologically) screaming for blood and be ready to smack it down.
jameswm
Roar Guru
It is the best NSW backline ever most likely, but look at the guys there. Can you imagine any of Luai (still proving himself), Cleary (also still proving himself), Tommy T or Tedesco being complacent? Or JAC? Mitchell maybe, but he will likely fire up.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I hope you're right EJ.
jameswm
Roar Guru
...and look complacent
jameswm
Roar Guru
I find that when the word complacency is used, even if denied, it seeps in. Not from Crichton though - he missed the first game and will be gunning for it. The Blues have to be ready to expect fire from Qld, esp in the forwards. But it's so hard to see Qld turning that around, and they still look vulnerable out wide.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
This the problem. Some media pundits are saying greatest NSW backline ever. These are the sort of comments that tend to make teams a little bit complacent. While NSW will be perennial favourites forever you can never write Qld off. I'm expecting NSW to win but a Qld win won't surprise . Just let it be competitive .
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I get people saying "well of course they will say they won't be complacent". But I really think the series loss in 2020 may have unleashed the beast. They were going for 3 series wins in a row, and after a thumping Game 2 win, thought they could simply rock up and win Game 3. I hate the term 'choke" but they certainly showed a lack of respect for the opposition, and were embarrassed accordingly. Hearing Fittler talk about planning for 2021 back in November, and then watching Game 1 play out as it did, you get the impression this squad wants to be remembered for years to come. They barely celebrated Game 1. It was instantly all about Game 2. They know QLD will be a far better side at Suncorp. We all do. I don't think they will be caught off-guard.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
They've said this 39 times before going to Lang Park or other environs, and the next thing you know....they lose.
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
You can say all you want about complacency, the first 10 minutes will see how much they are switched on. I expect a much slower ruck area than Townsville and this will suit QLD a bit more, really looking forward Liam Martin looking for Fifita :thumbup: