Phil Gould has predicted that NSW will secure a "comfortable" victory in the upcoming State of Origin decider, though he has warned that the team’s historical tendency to "get nervous" could disrupt their performance. Queensland, led by their star five-eighth and new captain Cameron Munster, aims to seize the Origin shield on NSW’s home turf next Wednesday night.
Despite being labelled as underdogs again for the third game of the series—similar to the 1995 and 2020 seasons—Gould noted that it’s unwise to dismiss Queensland’s tenacity. NSW coach Laurie Daley has opted to stick with the same 17 players that narrowly lost Game Two in Perth with a score of 26-24, demonstrating confidence in his squad.
Gould remarked on Nine’s 100% Footy that the Blues must improve their start and believes they have the upper hand playing at home. However, he expressed respect for Queensland’s ability to apply pressure, highlighting that NSW has historically struggled during critical moments.
Queensland’s coach, Billy Slater, has made two significant adjustments to his lineup, replacing injured Kalyn Ponga with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback and introducing Gehamat Shibasaki into the centre position. Slater has also reinstated veteran prop Josh Papali’i from retirement to enhance the team’s resilience.
Gould pointed out Queensland’s recent momentum after their surprise victory in Game Two, suggesting that the Maroons thrive under external expectations of being the underdogs. This narrative has traditionally bolstered Queensland’s spirit and determination, allowing them to challenge NSW and seize vital opportunities.
While Gould acknowledges NSW’s potential for a clear win based on talent, he warns that relying solely on skill could lead to missed opportunities, given the intense nature of Origin matches. Slater, hoping for a third series win in four years following successes in 2022 and 2023, is well aware of the stakes involved as he prepares his players for the high-pressure environment.
In conclusion, Gould maintains that while NSW has the capability to win comfortably, they must be vigilant against Queensland’s ability to exploit nerves and turn the tide in critical moments of the game.