Queensland’s head coach, Billy Slater, has indicated that he is unlikely to make significant changes to his team following a disappointing home loss in the State of Origin opener. This sentiment is echoed by Dolphins player Josh Kerr, who believes that rather than personnel alterations, the Maroons need to focus on improving their attitude ahead of the must-win game in Perth next month.
Kerr, part of the undermanned 2020 squad that famously upset the Blues, emphasised the importance of rediscovering Queensland’s fighting spirit. He noted that the team often thrives when challenged, stating, “Queenslanders do our best work when our backs are against the wall.” Reflecting on the team’s need for a wake-up call, he is optimistic about their performance in the upcoming match.
Despite criticisms targeting key players like Daly Cherry-Evans and Kalyn Ponga, Kerr defended Cherry-Evans’ leadership qualities, highlighting that his contributions extend beyond just ball-playing ability. Kerr believes that with minor tweaks to discipline and error management, the outcome could have been vastly different in the opener, which ended 18-6 against New South Wales.
Slater acknowledged his team’s lacklustre showing, attributing the defeat to issues of discipline rather than the need for a shake-up in player selection. He remains confident in his squad’s capabilities, expressing disappointment over the failure to perform at their potential. Slater identified that mistakes, including missing tackles and giving away penalties, significantly hindered their chances of success.
As the Maroons prepare for the next game on June 18, they are aware that they need to improve significantly. They missed a staggering 49 tackles and conceded nine penalties, which ultimately set them back. Slater emphasised the gap between the scoreboard and the team’s actual performance level, stressing that they were far from their best.
New South Wales, mindful of Queensland’s propensity for resurgence following a defeat, are gearing up for a tough contest. Coach Laurie Daley noted that Queensland is at its most dangerous when cornered, anticipating a strong response from Slater and his team as they look to level the series in Perth. The added pressure from their fans will play a crucial role in motivating the Maroons to bounce back and reclaim their form.