Phil Gould has expressed concerns regarding the Queensland Maroons, stating that captain Daly Cherry-Evans may face significant pressure following their lacklustre performance in game one of the State of Origin series. Despite last year’s struggles, where Queensland didn’t score any tries in the decider, they only managed one try in their recent match, which was aided by a mistake from Latrell Mitchell.
As they prepare for a crucial game two in Perth in three weeks, the team’s offensive difficulties need urgent attention, and Cherry-Evans’ position is being called into question. Commentator Cameron Smith hinted at potential changes, suggesting that the current key players, including Cherry-Evans, have not been effective, particularly during critical moments of the game.
Tom Dearden’s introduction off the bench provided some much-needed energy, prompting Andrew Johns to advocate for his inclusion in the starting lineup, urging coach Billy Slater to consider dropping the 36-year-old captain. Johns noted that it may be time for a change, acknowledging Father Time’s impact on Cherry-Evans’ performance.
Despite calls for alterations, Slater remained non-committal about his selections. Smith reiterated the need for improvement from Queensland’s spine, indicating they struggled to work cohesively during the match.
In terms of individual performances, Cherry-Evans wasn’t solely to blame, as Harry Grant also endured a particularly challenging game. Kalyn Ponga, the fullback, was also notably quiet, while Cameron Munster, despite being the standout in the spine, was unable to lead the team to a scoring opportunity, contributing to the final score of 18-6 in favour of New South Wales.
Echoing the frustrations following the loss, Cherry-Evans reflected on the importance of discipline and admitted that unforced errors had a significant impact on their performance. He emphasised the need to rectify these issues before the next game, expressing a desire to return with improvements.
Gould further cautioned that Queensland’s troubles may run deeper than mere tactical adjustments, suggesting that the mental impact of the defeat could haunt the players moving forward. He remarked that Queensland might lack the necessary answers within their selections and could struggle to rebound from such a comprehensive defeat.