State of Origin Game 2 Preview
Oooohweee, game 2 huh. We've been here before despite Queensland winning eight on the trot, but each time Queensland have been under the pump they have had a consistently great group of players to call upon. This time around, things are a little different. Game 2 in Sydney, sky blue every, those bloody blue wigs, a state full of anticipation, a team only 80 minutes away from being THAT team that beat Queensland and a Queensland team with their balls on the block. I like this State of Origin thing.
Games in Sydney are usually a bit more rough and rugged, won and lost through the middle thanks to a moisty moist playing surface and slightly longer grass. Who knows what the conditions will throw up this time, but you'd have to imagine that an open, free flowing game would play in to the hands of QLD. With more space, quick play the balls and the ability to remain calm and rely on your game plan, QLD would flourish and control the game.
If the game turns in to a slugfest, NSW in my books have the size and aggression advantage. They've also proven their mental fortitude as while many NSW teams in the past have also had the physical advantage, this NSW team showed in game 1 an ability to dig deep and stay true to their blue jerseys. QLD have seen that this NSW team is no joke, whether that makes the Maroons step it up a gear, or it gives NSW greater belief who knows.
The return of Greg Bird only reinforces NSW's stocks and they'd benefit greatly from have another absolute trooper on the field. They other changes see Josh Dugan and Will Hopoate slide in to the right edge. Hopoate will do his job, while much has been made of Dugan having to defend Greg Inglis.
That brings me to QLD and for me, this game is all about QLD.
We've kinda seen what NSW are capable of. We've seen that Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson can guide a team of experienced pros around a footy field in the most intense environment, we've seen the threat Jarryd Hayne possesses, we've seen their forwards dominate and we've seen the heart/pride/passion and bond the players have.
All we saw from QLD in game 1 were some mediocre shots fired, some mediocre defence and confusion.
This is all written with the knowledge that Billy Slater and Greg Inglis will play ... we'll say Daly Cherry-Evans will play as well but who knows. Either way, it starts with the big boys. NSW simply wanted it more in game 1 and they had greater firepower to go along with the desire. Matt Scott can't be the only guy to give QLD some oomph, it's too easy for NSW to line him up and squash his influence. This is why I reckon it's important Jacob Lillyman gets a good run and also the burden will fall on Nate Myles who does a fantastic job as a workhorse, but he needs to show some whack, punch, kapow.
Sam Thaiday also comes in to play here. I think we forgot how great a player he is and his energy and enthusiasm will be extremely important. As will his connection with those around him ... assuming he plays on the right edge as he did last year, he'll play a role whether he runs a decoy for Justin Hodges or Slater, whether he gets a short ball from DCE/Thurston and even if he does a bit of simple play making himself.
I'll be fixing my eyes on the other edge, the battle between Dugan and Inglis. It's obviously a great battle, two top players ... but for me, QLD have always tinkered with how to get Inglis to impact an Origin game greatly. A keen eye would have noticed that Inglis played a role in both QLD tries in game 1, but they need more. They have an opposition centre who has never lined up against a bloke like Inglis and they have a need to get Inglis to impact the game. A recipe for intrigue. It doesn't stop there though, expect Inglis to pop up every where and play an important role of set plays etc on the right.
It's all about QLD because it's all about Jonathan Thurston and Cameron Smith. Yeah DCE is possibly the best half in the NRL this season, yeah you have a Billy Slater who was possibly QLD's best player in game 1 and yeah you have a certain G.I., but Thurston and Smith are the key. If they are able to control the game, put smart kicks in, execute the right plays at the right time and generally take over, then things will get interesting. QLD will have worked on the chemistry in attack and will make much better use of a few repeat sets than they did in game 1, they'll need to.
There aren't many teams who can stop Jonathan Thurston when he's on fire, while Cameron Smith's quality is much more subtle. If both of them are in the mood, there's not much NSW can do.
It's a huge game. That's why the best players will decide it. JT and Smith for QLD, Jarryd Hayne or a herculean effort from Paul Gallen or Greg Bird for NSW. That's where games like this are won and lost. I honestly have know idea who'll get the bickies ... part of me is leaning towards the star power of QLD who come in as the under dog, part of me has a feeling for NSW. I dunno. It'll be another doozy though.