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Christian Welch admits Queensland are searching for answers to counter a NSW side “redefining” rugby league on their way to the most dominant State of Origin series win in history.
The Blues’ 26-0 thumping of the Maroons on Sunday emphatically sealed the series and marked the first time Queensland had been held scoreless in Brisbane.
That followed a record 50-6 loss in Townsville, with Brad Fittler’s current crop on track to eclipse the 2000 side he captained to a 3-0 series win that accrued an Origin-high 62-point differential.
The statistics tell the story, with this Blues’ 17 arguably outplaying every one of their direct opponents across the first two games.
Fittler said fullback and captain James Tedesco was “playing like no other fullback’s ever played” and that the Blues had “played a totally different brand of footy that we’ve seen before”.
“They scored 50 in the first game – not conventional, people playing all over the field – and tonight they defended their line to zero which hasn’t been done before (in Brisbane),” he said.
“We don’t all have to play the same … we’ve got a lot of good athletes … you play to their talents then we make the game very exciting.”
Queensland’s attempt to counter the Blues’ speed, precision and dare with some old-fashioned brute force lasted about 11 minutes at Suncorp Stadium – Welch out on his feet as they tried unsuccessfully to make a dent.
A student of the game, the Melbourne prop admitted Queensland were being schooled.
“They’re redefining some of the roles for the traditional positions of guys,” he said.
“I’ve really noticed their back five do lots of dirty work, make lot of yardage in the first few tackles.
“Then guys like (lock) Isaah Yeo can come in a run that little two shape on the fourth tackle to generate a bit of speed and (halfback Nathan) Cleary gets a good kick away.
“Their front-rowers and ruck players have a bit of a different role and it’s really working for them.”
Avoiding a rare clean sweep is now Queensland’s goal, Welch bristling at suggestions this loss could be the motivation they needed.
“It’s deja vu after game one to be honest; it shouldn’t take a bad loss to be motivated to play well for your state,” he said.
“It’s such an emotional pride you have to play for the maroon jersey and experiencing as a kid the joy that this team can deliver to our state.
“The next couple of days at school and workplaces (after a game), you do feel it personally when you come away down 2-0.
“There’d be a lot of disappointed kids and adults.”
© AAP
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