Laurie Daley expressed his disappointment regarding the penalty disparities during the State of Origin II match where the NSW Blues suffered a surprising loss to the Queensland Maroons in Perth. The Blues had a chance to secure a commanding lead in the series at Optus Stadium, but they fell short, ending the game with a 26-24 scoreline after trailing 26-6 at halftime.
In the first half, NSW found themselves penalised eight times while Queensland faced no penalties, and the situation only worsened after the break, as the Blues conceded nine consecutive penalties before beginning their comeback. By the end of the match, the penalty count had dramatically shifted to 10-2 against NSW. When asked about the officiating, Daley chose to refrain from commenting, stating, “I can’t tell you what I honestly think, so I’m not gonna say anything.”
Some penalties were for infractions involving players like Jarome Luai and Zac Lomax, while others seemed more subjective. Blues captain Isaah Yeo acknowledged a mix of self-inflicted errors and questionable calls, noting, “We were our own worst enemy at times.” He added that while some decisions could have been painted as 50/50, it was crucial to maintain possession and not falter in crucial moments.
Despite scoring more tries than Queensland, the Blues were hindered by Lomax’s missed conversions, which ultimately decided the match. They will look to regroup and regain their form for the series decider at Accor Stadium on June 9.
Daley remains optimistic about his players, indicating confidence in their abilities, and acknowledged the need for introspection regarding their first-half performance. He recognised the team’s potential and the importance of the upcoming decider, stating, “I know what our best football is… I’ve got to take responsibility, because the first half wasn’t great.” Ultimately, both he and Yeo emphasised the competitive spirit of the Origin series, looking forward to the drama of the final match.