The Maroons are grappling with the aftermath of a disappointing performance in Origin I, where the Blues exhibited overwhelming dominance across the pitch. With two challenging games ahead in Perth and Sydney, the Queensland team faces an uphill battle.
Coach Billy Slater has acknowledged a critical area for improvement: discipline. The Maroons conceded nine penalties, including three early ruck infringements, which disrupted their momentum. The first penalty came just two minutes in, with a grapple tackle by Pat Carrigan setting an unsettling tone. This pattern continued as players such as Moeaki Fotuaika and Cameron Munster fell prey to ill-timed infractions.
Cameron Smith remarked that Slater will likely have stern words for his squad, given the high number of penalties. Queensland’s inability to gain ground is concerning; without more aggressive forward play, the team’s key players struggled to make an impact. Players like Harry Grant and Daly Cherry-Evans found themselves penalised during crucial moments, further complicating matters.
The resulting pressure allowed NSW to score effectively, leaving the Maroons in dire straits by the end of the match. Moving forward, Slater must consider changes to invigorate the lineup. Potential inclusions such as Corey Horsburgh, who offers a more robust physical presence, and Selwyn Cobbo could be vital, while others like Kurt Mann could potentially replace Cherry-Evans if drastic measures are deemed necessary.
The current combination hasn’t been functioning optimally, as shown by Valentine Holmes’s disappointing performance, particularly since he was shifted to centre. His connection with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also faltered, leading to scoring opportunities for the opposition on their edge.
Additionally, Slater faces tough decisions regarding player selection, especially concerning Horsburgh, whose omission from the original squad raised eyebrows. The lack of penetration from the bench was glaring, and Andrew Johns highlighted this deficiency, questioning the team’s aggression and go-forward momentum.
The Maroons need a determined response to their disciplinary issues if they hope to regain their footing in the series. With Horsburgh’s recent display of improved discipline and consistent performance in the NRL, now may be the time for him to step up to the representative level.
In summary, Queensland’s path to recovery relies heavily on fixing their discipline, adjusting the lineup to include players who can make a difference, and addressing their overall cohesion before facing their next challenges.