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NSW just doesn’t get it!

Posted by: Peter Psaltis | 16 June, 2009 - 12:55 PM

There are 2 types of people in this world. Queenslanders and those that wish they were. I feel great that I come from a state that for many years has battled through adversity. We have always been the underdog; the supposed ?poor cousin? of NSW. But one thing that sets us apart is our loyalty. It is something that NSW just isn?t familiar with.

In 1988 Queensland won game 1 26 to 18 at the SFS. How did the Blues react for game 2? Well going through the record books I found 7 changes. Jonathon Docking, Brian Johnston, Cliff Lyons, Noel Cleal, Royce Simmons, Les Davidson and David Trewhella were all left out of the team for game 2, plus there were a number of positional changes. The result in game 2 – Queensland won 16 – 6.

In 2009 Queensland won game 1 28 – 18 and what have we seen? The Blues selectors have pushed the panic button once again. I believe they have made a number of glaring mistakes in picking the team for game 2 of the series. One is 5/8, Trent Barrett is a good player but during his time in origin he has been fortunate enough to play with Andrew Johns or Brett Kimmorley. He won’t have that luxury this time around. I’m a massive Peter Wallace fan, but after a quiet few weeks he is going to have to step up if Barrett and the Blues are going to trouble Queensland next week.

The other mistake the Blues have made is up front. They have replaced Luke Bailey with a backrower in Anthony Watmough. So instead of 4 regular props they are going into the game with just the 3 and Weyman and Poore struggled in game 1 to put more than 20 effective minutes in. This is where Queensland has the upper hand. Price, Civoneceva, Myles and Hannant are all genuine props (not to mention Sam Thaiday who can also play in the front row) who can each put in 50 or 60 minutes up front.

For anyone who wants to fight that argument then I have one thing to say – Which state has won the past 3 series? Queensland selectors realise that to win origin you need to have solid go forward for the 80 minutes and not players that can give you a solid 15 or 20.

Queensland will be up against a weaker Blues team next week than the one they faced in origin 1. The Maroons are hungry for a 4th successive series win and come 10pm next Wednesday night the series could well be over.

Blog comments

NSW may look weaker on paper, but they will be hard to beat. From the captain down, they will all have something to prove, especially on their home ground. Peter - lets hope history does repeat! Go QLD!

Chris Thursday 18 June, 2009 - 9:41 AM