Fullback to the future: Why Madge’s No.1 choice for Blues jersey will define how his side plays
Coaching Queensland and coaching New South Wales might look like similar jobs, but are actually vastly different. The Maroons boss tends to work off…
Statistics may say otherwise but Queensland coach Kevin Walters fears maligned NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce will step up in Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider.
Pearce is again under enormous pressure to improve his woeful Origin record and clinch NSW’s second series win in 12 years after the Blues let game two slip through their grasp.
The knives are again out for the 28-year-old after critics claimed the NSW No.7 failed to step up and close out game two in Sydney, ultimately claimed by a never say die Queensland 18-16.
Pearce has never experienced an Origin series win in six attempts.
But Walters believed Pearce would ice the result if given a sniff by NSW’s giant pack which set the platform for their record 28-4 game one win at Suncorp Stadium.
“Mitchell is a very good player, probably in season-best form,” Walters said.
“If NSW get the momentum Pearce and (halves partner James) Maloney will get them home.
“We’ve got to stop them getting momentum.
“We understand the potency of the NSW side.
“Six weeks ago they put the cleaners through us. We have to be respectful of that.”
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Coaching Queensland and coaching New South Wales might look like similar jobs, but are actually vastly different. The Maroons boss tends to work off…
"That was just a glowing endorsement from Dylan Edwards"
New coach Michael Maguire will go into Origin I without one of the Blues' most reliable players after Cameron Murray was ruled out for…
Whether it is for his football form or comments around his Aboriginal heritage, Mitchell may just be the most talked about player in the history of the game.
Queensland often has the right mix of generational talent, playmaking brilliance and these nuts-and-bolts players that bind them together like glue.
Despite a poor season by his own high standards, Latrell Mitchell is still a chance to force his way into the NSW team for…