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Opinion
The opening match of the 2022 State of Origin series is now complete and there is much to discuss.
Queensland have taken the early 1-0 lead and a large help came from ‘man of the match’ Cameron Munster. Munster was Queensland’s number one on Wednesday night – he was unbelievable.
The way that he was able to change the momentum and pace of the game was astonishing and it was put his best work on show. The Melbourne Storm five-eighth put on a clinic, and I seriously don’t think there’s anyone in the world that is able to stop him.
To add to his efforts, he was able to outshine anyone from the opposition, in enemy territory. Just think how much better Munster and the rest of this Queensland team could be, once they have their own fans behind them at Suncorp.
The four Queensland debutants were some of Queensland’s best on Wednesday night. Although all of them were great, Patrick Carrigan was an absolute game changer, who has the Origin mentality which is needed, and I can see him being a Maroon representative for many years to come.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Jeremiah Nanai suffered an ankle injury during the early periods of the second half. Nanai looked to be in serious pain and was removed from the field, before miraculously returning in the final twenty minutes, helping the Maroons hold on in the late stages of the match.
The 19-year-old displayed true Queensland spirit, as he seemed to be gone for all money after what many thought at first was a ‘devastating’ incident.
Selwyn Cobbo lived up to expectations as he provided Daine Gagai a much needed first half try, as well as eighteen runs, for one-hundred and sixty-two metres. Of course, he is fast, however Cobbo also provided a great work load, especially out of his own redzone.
We can’t talk about debutant performances without noting how well Reuben Cotter did his job.
I don’t believe that any changes will be necessary, regarding how the Maroons will line-up for game two in Perth. The only issue may be Xavier Coates who left the field during the first half, as he suffered a syndesmosis injury.
There are major fears that he may miss both remaining matches of the series. This is not just a big blow for Queensland, but also the Melbourne Storm.
On the other hand, New South Wales were disappointing for most of the time on Wednesday night. They were unable to place any real pressure on their opposition in the second half. Although some questionable calls were made against the Blues, I don’t believe any fifty-fifty decisions had a significant impact on the result.
Jack Wighton proved the doubters wrong, being best on ground wearing a Blues jumper.
Wighton put in a superb effort in attempting to get his side over the line. Although the New South Wales selectors have seemed to try their best to stay loyal over the years, there is a portion of players that I believe need to be shown the door.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Tariq Sims was underwhelming and did not show why he deserved to be picked in the 12 jersey. Ryan Matterson was not able to create as large of an impact off the bench as expected of him.
I believe that Sims Origin career may be over and Manly second rower Haumole Olakau’atu Is a very possible replacement.
I think that Matterson has enough potential to be named in game two. Another that may hold a vulnerable position is Katoni Staggs who was very sluggish in his performance, before being taken off the field, due to a shoulder injury.
If selectors think that Latrell Mitchell is able to take the field, then I believe he should be considered for game two selection. Stephen Crichton is also another option in the right-centre role, and Jack Wighton obviously was outstanding enough to hold his spot in the opposite centre position.
The Blues bench was outplayed by their oppositions on Wednesday night and that is an area that certainly needs to be looked at. The cockroach defence began to seriously open up in the back end of the second half, as holes began to be seen all over the park and they were gassed.
The most important game was won by Queensland and the fact it was in enemy territory was huge.
I believe NSW will have enough fight to bounce back and take this series to a decider.
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