Queensland is still reeling from their opening game loss to New South Wales Blues, but co-captain Ali Brigginshaw remains optimistic about the team’s chances to turn the series around this Thursday. The Maroons struggled against a formidable Blues side, resulting in a disappointing 32-12 defeat at Suncorp Stadium, especially after failing to score in the final 35 minutes.
In response to this defeat, coach Tahnee Norris has made a strategic move by bringing Chelsea Lenarduzzi into the squad, replacing Destiny Brill, in hopes that Lenarduzzi will enhance the team’s strength in the middle. With six Origin appearances since 2017, Lenarduzzi’s experience is welcomed in an already seasoned Queensland line-up.
Despite these changes, Brigginshaw acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly from the senior players. She emphasised the team’s underperformance and the personal accountability that each player must take in order to rectify their mistakes. “We need to tidy things up; it’s crucial to play better in a Queensland jersey,” she stated. Brigginshaw indicated that the team is still grappling with the loss but is using it as motivation going forward.
She mentioned they’ve identified key areas needing improvement and assured fans that their focus isn’t on drastic changes but rather on enhancing their performance. Reflecting on the past year, Brigginshaw sees parallels to last season when Queensland made a remarkable comeback. They are familiar with being in a comeback situation and are determined to rise to the challenge.
Brigginshaw pointed out that the team’s effort has been a primary focus in training this week. The players are instructed to concentrate on what they can control individually, which includes putting in additional effort and being adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. She noted that the debutants from the previous game are now more experienced and ready to contribute effectively.
As the team prepares for the next match, Brigginshaw stresses the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic and not relying on elaborate tactics. Instead, the emphasis is on commitment and effort to ensure they play up to their potential and represent Queensland with pride.