View Full Version : Origin Game 2: New South Wales v Queensland (2011)
DIEHARD
26-05-11, 09:01 AM
Origin Game 2:
New South Wales v Queensland
AAP Thu, May 26, 2011 - 3:26 PM
NSW coach Ricky Stuart has touched down in Sydney, saying he hopes to have all his State of Origin game one players available for selection ahead of the next clash with Queensland in Sydney.
NSW was gallant in defeat on Wednesday night, going down to Queensland 16-12 in the opener of the three-match Origin series at Suncorp Stadium.
Speaking to reporters at Sydney Airport, Stuart said he hoped to have the same players available to him to choose from for game two.
"I just hope the 17 are fit and available for selection come game two," he said.
But Stuart admitted NSW would have to improve their execution if they were to defeat Queensland in three weeks' time.
"The little things, we've got to be better at, and when we've got a very new football team we can be better," he said.
"This is a very new team. That was the first game they've all played together and that's the way I see it, that's the way I'm looking at it."
DIEHARD
31-05-11, 04:26 PM
The NSWRL will announce the team for Game 2 at 5pm this Sunday.
Will Lewis and Gidley be a part of it?
Barring injuries I don't see why not. I know lots of ppl weren't happy with Gaz' performance but I don't see him being dropped. So unfortunately, I don't see how either Hayne or Idris would be able to get a spot.
DIEHARD
31-05-11, 05:24 PM
Ah I wouldn't say it was unfortunate... me being a Queenslander it doesn't rate too highly to me. But it'll be interesting what they do with Gidley.
I'm guessing bench utility spot?
I think the first thing they should do is make Gidley captain and then worry about where he plays later.
I think the first thing they should do is make Gidley captain and then worry about where he plays later.
So he can watch and captain from the sideline again?? Gallen will be captain, he lost nothing in his last game. Gidley will come in for Young on the bench. Hopefully morris will be ruled out and Hayne will play on the wing.. Lewis in for Creagh? You cannot leave Lewis and Gidley out.
TITAN PETE
01-06-11, 01:36 PM
I think the first thing they should do is make Gidley captain and then worry about where he plays later.
No way Gallen earned his spot & should keep his Captaincy without question :nope:
Peter Sterling NRL.com Wed, Jun 01, 2011 - 10:30 AM
It was easy to understand the frustration expressed by Blues coach Ricky Stuart over the weekend when interviewed about Origin selection for Game II.
He was bewildered that there could be such a strong call for stability before the series opener, yet after going so close to achieving a win there has been so much talk about a number of heads that could roll.
One thing he has continually stated since taking over the full-time job was that NSW has suffered for too long on the back of constant personnel changes, not only year-to-year but game-to-game.
Last year the Blues used 30 players in their campaign; Queensland used 19.
Ricky did point out however that he couldn't be "blindly loyal", suggesting that after a stringent review of the opening encounter he was open to some change.
Like everyone, I have an opinion of what is needed and for what it is worth this is the way I would go if I was sole selector.
Firstly if the hamstring strain sustained by Brett Morris was to rule him out, the obvious replacement on the wing would be Jarryd Hayne.
Ricky's policy is to pick position specialists, but Jarryd has already shown that he not only handles being on the flank at this elite level ? he excels. In 2009 he took out the Brad Fittler medal as NSW's best after playing all three games on the wing.
Outside of injuries there would be two changes that I would make.
I believe Kurt Gidley has to be in the 17 and would have been at Suncorp if he had been fit to take his place. He would come on to the bench for the very unlucky Dean Young.
Gidley is the perfect interchange player not only because he covers so many positions, giving the team enormous flexibility, but also due to the energy that he provides when sent into the action.
He has the knack of immediately playing up-tempo and in Origin matches that kind of lift can prove invaluable in changing momentum at key times.
Despite just one game back from injury he is a superb athlete, and after watching his 80-minute effort against the Eels there are no fitness concerns.
Two late match-saving tackles in the closing minutes were a true test for his shoulder and another full game against the Tigers this weekend will ensure that he is ready to go.
The other inclusion would be prop Michael Weyman who has worn a sky blue jersey the last two campaigns.
I rate him the best metre-getter south of the Maroon border, with the huge bonus of a very quick play-the-ball for such a big unit.
After missing three matches for the Dragons earlier in the season he is now back to full fitness and has again been a big contributor to their record joint-venture club winning streak.
Queensland gained the early ascendency in Origin I with the forward roll they enjoyed in the opening 20 minutes. This needs to be addressed by the Blues who need to fight fire with fire, and I don't think there is a better go-forward player available than Weyman.
I agonised over which of the four front-rowers would make way for his selection and eventually opted for Trent Merrin. I liked his 25-minute debut effort and I'm certain he will be a representative player for many years to come but in a must-win, series-saving encounter I went for the superior experience of the other props.
Because of the qualities I mentioned pertaining to Weyman, he would be in my run-on side.
Peter Sterling's NSW lineup for State of Origin II
1. Josh Dugan
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Mark Gasnier
5. Akuila Uate
6. Jamie Soward
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Michael Weyman
9. Michael Ennis
10. Kade Snowden
11. Beau Scott
12. Greg Bird
13. Paul Gallen
14. Ben Creagh
15. Tim Mannah
16. Jason King
17. Kurt Gidley
DIEHARD
01-06-11, 03:19 PM
I think the Blues will give in and name Hayne.
kwigibo
01-06-11, 04:27 PM
I don't know why Gidley is seen as a saviour, at least Hayne has done something at Origin level. As a QLD supporter though I wish they could clone Gidley and play two of him, double the mediocrity.
I think the first thing they should do is make Gidley captain and then worry about where he plays later.
I was having a shot at you stupid C0ckroaches...choosing Gildey as captain and having him on the bench was the worst decision in League history.
Steelers
01-06-11, 09:22 PM
I don't know why Gidley is seen as a saviour, at least Hayne has done something at Origin level. As a QLD supporter though I wish they could clone Gidley and play two of him, double the mediocrity.
I was having a shot at you stupid C0ckroaches...choosing Gildey as captain and having him on the bench was the worst decision in League history.
Ditto. :thumbsup:
DIEHARD
02-06-11, 03:09 AM
NSW fans set to sell out ANZ Stadium for State of Origin II against Queensland
MEMO Darren Lockyer and Queensland: The "House Full" sign is ready to be posted at ANZ Stadium for the first time in six years.
Buoyed by the Blues' brave performance in the opening match, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that State of Origin II at Homebush on June 15 is within days of being an 82,000 sell-out.
Tired of hearing about Queensland's passion and pride, the Blue Army is on the march. As of last night, 76,000 seats had been sold or committed, with ANZ Stadium officials believing the remaining 6000 will be snapped up within the next week.
Sydney fans have been accused of apathy in recent years. But ticket sales have been strong since Origin I.
The last official Origin sell-out in Sydney was game two in 2005 when 82,389 people turned out.
"There is real vibe about State of Origin at the moment," said ANZ Stadium chief executive Daryl Kerry.
"Anyone out there wanting to go to the match should get out there and buy a ticket now. I wouldn't be waiting. It is going to be a big night."
Former NSW enforcer Steve Roach urged fans to get out to Homebush. "Enough is enough." Roach said. "We've all got to get out there. I reckon it means more to get out there and cheer the team when they are behind in the series.
"Everyone can cheer a winner."
Blatchy's Blues - the supporter group of NSW fans who sit together in blue wigs at the arena's northern end - will number 8500 for the match.Men of League Foundation patron and former Blues skipper Bob McCarthy is asking fans to wear their sky blue shirts and jumpers to work on June 15. "Since State of Origin started in 1980, Queenslanders have claimed that they are more passionate on-field and more parochial off the field," McCarthy said.
"On the day of Origin I, Queenslanders, particularly in Brisbane, created a Maroon-wash of the CBD by wearing their colours to work and school. It's time that Blues supporters stood up and matched this by wearing sky blue all day on June 15."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/
DIEHARD
02-06-11, 03:12 AM
Good to see that Game 2 might get the crowd it deservers, the secret is keeping that up though.
Everyone should wear their Origin colours to work or school on Origin day. :)
I remember my primary school principal used to let us come to school at 10am after any Origin and made a rule that no teacher was allowed to give homework on those nights. I certainly atribute this to part of my reason for falling in love with Rugby League.
My brother last weekend said it might also have been a cunning plan for him to go on benders and get a sleep in. Either way well done Mr Leydon!
DIEHARD
02-06-11, 01:05 PM
The Queensland Maroons will name their team for Game 2 of State of Origin on Tuesday, June 7.
TITAN PETE
05-06-11, 05:14 PM
Blues
1.Dugan
2.Hayne
3.Hopate
4.Gasnier
5.Uate
6.Soward
7.Pierce
8.Gallen c
9.Ennis
10.Manna
11.Scott
12.Creagh
13.Bird
14.Watmough
15.Gidley
16.Merrin
17.Lewis
I hope Gallen is keen for 80 mins from Prop. And so much for picking people in specialist positions, hope hoppa has a great game and changes his mind about the Mormon mission. I like seeing Lewis, Watmough and Gids in there, they are made for origin.. still.. we are going to get hammered up front :(
Coaster
05-06-11, 06:20 PM
I really don't understand that team tbh.
Hoppa being chosen over Idris is crazy considering Hoppa is off at the end of the year.
6 props to 2 with no TLL who played well IMO today.
Form second rower is Tariq Sims
Well good luck fellas I expect you to be courageous in defeat :)
Boofhead
05-06-11, 06:23 PM
I really don't understand that team tbh.
Hoppa being chosen over Idris is crazy considering Hoppa is off at the end of the year.
6 props to 2 with no TLL who played well IMO today.
Form second rower is Tariq Sims
Well good luck fellas I expect you to be courageous in defeat :)
Gotta think it will end up like:
1. Hayne
2. Hopate
3. Idris
Really dont get Hopa instead of Idris...
Ricky obviously doesnt see Idris as a centre. To be honest I agree, but he is still more suitable than Hoppa there.
It's not a bad move shifting Gallen in to Prop...NSW had no props to choose from anyway...at least this way they get good forwards in the middle.
The forwards on the bench give Stuart more strike but still...it's going to be hard to coach without a quality Prop
It will be interesting to see Stuarts game plan.
Pierce needs to take a step back and be supportive of Soward and Ennis instead of taking control...he over played his kicking role last game and struggled in attack.
Sydney Titans Fanatic
05-06-11, 08:08 PM
QUEENSLANDER!!!!!
titansrawesome
05-06-11, 08:43 PM
good luck blues, because this gonna be a beatdown for the ages, what an awful team you have once again selected, oh no how will matt scott handle huge eyebrows tim mannah?
Steelers
06-06-11, 12:27 AM
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Ricky Stuart before the first game: "I want to select players in their positions and I want to stick with the same side for all 3 games"
He then changes half the side and puts them all out of position. Having him in the NSW setup has changed nothing about the way their team is run. I said when he was given the job that he was a bad choice and I have been proven correct. He is a clueless coach.
AmericanTitan
06-06-11, 12:22 PM
I read that Carty has stood down from his position as an assistant Blues coach to focus on the Titans....but Queensland was going to win anyway :D
DIEHARD
06-06-11, 05:25 PM
Josh Dugan has been ruled out of State of Origin after scans confirmed he will miss 3-5 weeks with Syndesmosis of his right ankle.
Disappointing, but at least it can be covered.. Either bring B.Stewart in or Shift Hayne to fb, Hoppa wing, and Idris centre.. As long as Gids is not played at FB. I was looking forward to seeing Dugan develop more at SOO level, he is an exciting talent.
GoldCoastTitans100
06-06-11, 08:28 PM
I think he has only picked two props because he knows that's not how you win against QLD
He is going to have a lot of subs left in the last 20min and out pace QLD.
1.mini 80min
2.Hayne 80min
3.Hopate 80min
4.Gasnier 80min
5.Uate 80min
6.Soward 80min
7.Pierce 80min
8.Gallen c 80min
9.Ennis 80min
10.Manna
11.Scott 80min
12.Creagh
13.Bird 80min
14.Watmough 80min
15.Gidley 80min
16.Merrin
17.Lewis 80min
NSW have a fair chance of winning this late in the game.
Unfortunate about Dugan. I was hoping Hayne would get the 1 that would make way for Idris to the centres as well. But at least Mini's got experience which can only be valuable
Mini has been picked for Origin :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Just wow :nope:
DIEHARD
07-06-11, 03:15 AM
I'd have had Hayne at fullback for sure.
AmericanTitan
07-06-11, 03:30 AM
I'd have had Hayne at fullback for sure.
completely agree. I don't see the point of putting Anthony Minichiello in at fullback when they have both Hayne and Hoppa Jr. on the side already. Surely there has to be someone better available than Mini to bring into that team? Was Idris named?
By Ian McCullough AAP Mon, Jun 06, 2011 - 10:35 PM
Newcastle's NSW flyer Akuila Uate was too distraught to talk after his State of Origin hopes were placed in doubt after he was put on report for a dangerous tackle in the Knights' 17-16 golden point NRL defeat to Wests Tigers.
Blues coach Ricky Stuart, who has already lost Michael Jennings, Josh Dugan, Kade Snowden and Brett Morris to injury, must now consider calling up another winger.
Uate, who snubbed reporters after the game, unlikely to escape sanction after lifting Tigers centre Tim Simona between the legs and dumping him on his back, seven minutes from time.
Penrith's Luke Lewis was charged with a similar offence, ironically against Newcastle, last year and was ruled out of the second Origin clash in Brisbane by the NRL's match review committee, and Uate will find out on Tuesday if he will face a similar punishment.
Knights coach Rick Stone believed Uate should have been penalised but said he felt a decision to ban the Fijian-born star would be harsh.
"I don't think there was anything too malicious in that," Stone said.
"The judiciary will have a close look and we'll understand what that means.
"He might have put his hands between his legs but where the player landed, he definitely landed more on his back.
"Any time you put your hand between the legs it's a grey area and they crack down pretty hard on that.
"I don't think there was much in the tackle. It deserved a penalty and that's sufficient I'd suggest.
"It's probably an amateurish error from Aku. Sometimes things go wrong."
Tigers coach Tim Sheens was unconcerned about the prospect of Uate missing next Wednesday's Origin clash and claimed Simona, who was impressive on debut, was lucky to avoid serious injury.
"He picked him up in the wrong place and dumped the kid on his shoulder, he has now got icing on his shoulder and there is no doubt that it was not a good look," Sheens said.
"(Missing Origin) is not my problem, the judiciary will take care of that but the match review committee will have to look at the tackle tomorrow."
Sheens said the injury news about Lote Tuqiri was better than first expected, and the dual international winger may only miss one week after limping off with an ankle injury just six minutes into his comeback from a broken arm that had sidelined him since round three.
"It is an ankle injury that isn't too bad, I don't think it will require a moon boot or anything, it improved as the night went on," Sheens said.
"Maybe, with the short week and us going to New Zealand he may miss out, but the week after he should be OK.
"Having Beau (Ryan) there was fortunate for us, you don't count on losing a winger in the game that early, so we were down to 16 from the start, so it was a good effort from the boys considering we had to play more than 80 minutes."
Robbie Farah's field-goal with three minutes of extra time remaining sealed the win for the Tigers, their first in this manner since round five in 2007.
The victory moves Sheens' side to seventh spot on the ladder with defeat for the Knights keeping them in ninth position.
Man they're dropping like flies.. gonna have a whole new backline at this rate
TITAN PETE
07-06-11, 11:26 AM
Uate charged but set to play Origin
Andrew Bryan NRL.com Tue, Jun 07, 2011 - 10:17 AM
Newcastle’s Akuila Uate will be free to play for NSW in Origin II at ANZ Stadium if he takes the early guilty plea after being charged this morning with a Grade 1 dangerous throw by the NRL match review committee.
Uate was charged for his tackle on Wests Tigers debutant Tim Simona during the Knights 17-16 loss to Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Monday night.
“Upon reviewing the video evidence we felt a Grade 1 was the appropriate charge,” NRL Match Review Committee Chairman, Greg McCallum, said today.
“Although player Uate lifted player Simona into a dangerous position, Simona was able to get his arm to the ground and in some manner protect himself.
“It is his shoulder that makes most contact with the ground and there is only minor contact with the back of his head.”
It is welcome news for the Blues who have already been forced to make six changes to the team that played at Suncorp Stadium in the series operner.
Josh Dugan, Michael Jennings, Brett Morris and Kade Snowden were all ruled out through injury, while Dean Young and Jason King were left out of the side.
Titan Fanatic
07-06-11, 03:01 PM
Haha mini at fullback. GO QLD
DIEHARD
07-06-11, 04:48 PM
Go Queensland! I'm feeling confident. I wish I could be there! But that is unlikely. I'll be at Game 3 though.
I'm happy that QLD have brought in Taylor. And hopefully Inglis can return to form and fitness. Souths fitness regime is dead set terrible.
GoldCoastTitans100
07-06-11, 10:02 PM
Haha mini at fullback
I would say he has been the safest fullback this season.
Good to hear Uate is safe to play but I'm feeling alot less confident this time round compared to the first game. Seems really odd that Stickys changed his rule up a bit about not playing players out of position but we'll see how it goes.
By Ian McCullough AAP Tue, Jun 07, 2011 - 8:16 PM
Less than three years after being told to consider retiring, Anthony Minichiello describes his shock recall to the NSW side as one of the highlights of his career.
The former golden boot winner was a Blues mainstay from 2003-05 before being struck down by serious neck and back injuries that sidelined him for almost three seasons.
His last appearance in a NSW shirt was in the opening game of the 2007 series and the Sydney Roosters veteran was as surprised as anyone when coach Ricky Stuart named him in the side after Josh Dugan was ruled out with an ankle injury.
"It's real exciting for myself and everyone around me to get back and play at the top level and a privilege to pull on the Blues jumper again," Minichiello said.
"I woke up yesterday and there was a lot of speculation and phone calls, and then Ricky was saying if Dugan does pull out then I would be picked.
"I spoke to him later in the afternoon and he said that was the case and then Dugan pulled out a couple of hours later and I was in camp."
During his darkest times, spending hours in the gym trying to rehabilitate his battered body, the 31-year-old said the thought of getting back to the form that made him the best player in the world in 2005 kept him going - and made his recall mean so much.
"When you are young and you play three series in a row you think it will be forever and I just thought it would keep coming, but it doesn't and you find out the hard way sometimes," he said.
"This time is much sweeter, you savour these moments being in camp and being part of this experience."
Minichiello admits there were plenty of low points in his bid to get back on the field but quitting was never on the agenda, despite medical advice to the contrary.
"I was cut down at the height of my career but the lowest point was my neck injury, I had two back operations and ... when I came back, my back was feeling pretty good, so when I damaged my neck it was hard to take," he said.
"Retiring was never an option for me but other people were hinting at it.
"I just worked hard and built my body from the ground up again and it has paid off."
Manly coach Des Hasler revealed Stuart asked him for advice on whether Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart was ready for an Origin recall before calling up Minichiello.
However, the Sea Eagles boss told the Blues coach picking Stewart was too big a risk after a series of hamstring problems that have dogged him all season.
"I think they just have to go with the fittest and the healthiest," Hasler said.
"They made that call with young (Michael) Jennings, they made that call with Josh Dugan.
"Brett is getting back there but is still a bit away so I can understand them going back to someone who is fully fit.
"In that particular arena you can't afford to be losing a player early in the game."
DIEHARD
07-06-11, 10:40 PM
Uate. Another NSW rort!
You can smell the fear in the Blues camp. The smiles and up beat vibes are gone. The reality of the situation is begining to dawn on them.
Go QLD!
Uate. Another NSW rort! But go BLUES!
I know you are taking the piss Brad...Nuthin' too serious with the tackle..
I cannot believe you Qlder's (Meninga on the news last night) always hard done by...Give me a break. :boohoo:
Shouldn't take too long.........:poke:
Titan Dad
08-06-11, 08:34 AM
6 Straight series coming our way. Another meltdown and kneejerk reaction to a loss in Brisbane has just holed the NSW ship. OHH well maybe next year for the blues. NOT.
QUEENSLANDER.
Titan Fanatic
08-06-11, 08:37 AM
I would say he has been the safest fullback this season.
Maybe under the high ball but he has offered nothing in attack, maybe that is because roosters have pierce and carney and anasta but really NSW need some attacking flair judging by the first game, especially with Jennings out who was their best player in game 1 and I don't think mini will do that for them.
GoldCoastTitans100
08-06-11, 03:38 PM
Maybe under the high ball but he has offered nothing in attack, maybe that is because roosters have pierce and carney and anasta but really NSW need some attacking flair judging by the first game, especially with Jennings out who was their best player in game 1 and I don't think mini will do that for them.
NSW need to play safe to win and the team picked can give them flair.
Titan Fanatic
08-06-11, 06:45 PM
NSW need to play safe to win and the team picked can give them flair.
We'll see next wednesday Go QLD
The refs have instructed a fast pace game to help the mobile NSW forwards, the game is held in NSW and I assume all 50-50 calls will go the way of the C0ckroaches to promote a decider in the third.
This will be Queensland's biggest test and will take an remarkable team to pull it off!
DIEHARD
08-06-11, 08:25 PM
I guess the way forward is to score more points. Hopefully the Blues will under estimate Inglis and he can find better form off the back of service from Thursto, Lockyer, Smith and Slater.
The crowd and the referees will probably be against Queensland.
Seems Archer aint gonna be the ref for this game
GoldCoastTitans100
08-06-11, 09:49 PM
The refs have instructed a fast pace game to help the mobile NSW forwards,
And what source are you basing this comment on?
Titanic
09-06-11, 12:13 AM
If a club coach made the changes Stuart has, he would be on a hiding to nothing but this is Origin and so there is always some doubt.
But not much :-) Qld x 12
DIEHARD
09-06-11, 01:39 AM
Is Game 2 sold out? It had better be because a steady stream of RL identities have been saying that very thing on NRL on FOX and FOX SPORTS NEWS.
And what source are you basing this comment on?
Here's one aticle relating from Courier Mail but I read it elsewhere
REFEREES boss Bill Harrigan has warned that delaying tactics in the tackle will not be tolerated in Origin II.
Queensland captain Darren Lockyer said yesterday Harrigan had informed coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart that he was not impressed by the slow play-the-balls in game one and the sides could expect a crackdown in the second game.
Referee Tony Archer has been dropped for game two after 10 consecutive Origin games.
He and Jared Maxwell have been replaced by Shayne Hayne and Ben Cummins.
"I think Harrigan has spoken to Ricky and Mal and said that he felt the play-the-ball area could have been a little bit better in terms of not lying around," Lockyer said.
"Going on the team they [NSW] have selected, they know it will be policed. They are not going to allow three guys to lay on top of the guy. Once you have made the tackle, there needs to be movement from the tacklers.
"They have selected a lot of back-rowers. They have picked a team that suits that. They will be a bit more up-tempo in the middle. We have to work out ways to combat that."
GoldCoastTitans100
09-06-11, 04:06 PM
Here's one aticle relating from Courier Mail but I read it elsewhere
REFEREES boss Bill Harrigan has warned that delaying tactics in the tackle will not be tolerated in Origin II.
Queensland captain Darren Lockyer said yesterday Harrigan had informed coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart that he was not impressed by the slow play-the-balls in game one and the sides could expect a crackdown in the second game.
Referee Tony Archer has been dropped for game two after 10 consecutive Origin games.
He and Jared Maxwell have been replaced by Shayne Hayne and Ben Cummins.
"I think Harrigan has spoken to Ricky and Mal and said that he felt the play-the-ball area could have been a little bit better in terms of not lying around," Lockyer said.
"Going on the team they [NSW] have selected, they know it will be policed. They are not going to allow three guys to lay on top of the guy. Once you have made the tackle, there needs to be movement from the tacklers.
"They have selected a lot of back-rowers. They have picked a team that suits that. They will be a bit more up-tempo in the middle. We have to work out ways to combat that."
Thanks :)
The refs have instructed a fast pace game to help the mobile NSW forwards, the game is held in NSW and I assume all 50-50 calls will go the way of the C0ckroaches to promote a decider in the third.
This will be Queensland's biggest test and will take an remarkable team to pull it off!
Typical Qlder comment.......
DIEHARD
09-06-11, 06:22 PM
It's weird to see Thurston actually publically dissing Soward.
I love it though!
DIEHARD
09-06-11, 06:34 PM
Taylor says smaller Blues side a threat
HE IS a 120kg barrel of muscle, but hulking Maroons forward Dave Taylor is firmly of the opinion that size doesn't matter.
The man they call Coal Train believes the Blues decision to stack their pack with back-rowers has the potential to derail Queensland when they hit Sydney on Wednesday for Origin II.
NSW coach Ricky Stuart's decision to select only two specialist props in his 17-man side has largely drawn criticism north of the Tweed.
But Queensland giant Taylor is wary.
"I don't believe size is an advantage in the game now," he said.
"Definitely having fitter, quicker blokes who can do a lot more work definitely makes things a lot easier.
"They are going to try and come through the middle and get us big fellas tired and make it so we make mistakes.
"We need to go away and make sure we are fully prepared for that and confident in our abilities to defend it."
Inexperienced front-rowers Trent Merrin and Tim Mannah have been handed the massive task of matching the Maroons mighty rotation of Petero Civoniceva, Matt Scott, Ben Hannant and Taylor.
Blues skipper Paul Gallen, who usually plays in the middle, has been shunted up front to open the way for the inclusion of five back-rowers: Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Greg Bird, Anthony Watmough and Luke Lewis.
Asked if he would choose just two inexperienced props in the code's toughest arena, Meninga said: "Only if we were devoid of front-rowers. We haven't had to make that decision, we have the best front-rowers in the game playing for us.
"Matty Scott, Petero, Benny Hannant, David Shillington, big Dave (Taylor) and Jacob Lillyman ... we're in a very envious position.
"They have picked a very mobile side, very well-skilled.
"They are a bit short on front-rowers but will try and play an up-tempo game."
http://www.goldcoast.com.au
DIEHARD
11-06-11, 10:41 PM
State of Origin II Preview
New South Wales v Queensland
ANZ Stadium Wednesday 8.10pm
Ricky Stuart?s new-look, ?upwardly mobile? Blues head into Origin II with the weight of the New South Wales rugby league world on their shoulders as they battle to stave off yet another demoralising series defeat ? a record sixth straight. But in ditching with convention and entering the cauldron with just two recognised props and three specialist fullbacks, is there a danger Ricky has ?thrown the baby out with the bathwater??
Queensland emerged 16-12 winners in Game One three weeks ago ? but only stole the victory late courtesy of a 72nd-minute minute try to Billy Slater after the Blues had clawed to an unlikely 12-10 lead following an attacking blitzkrieg that yielded four-pointers to Mitchell Pearce and Michael Jennings in the 65th and 69th minutes. It was ?unlikely? in that the Maroons were dominant all around the park on the night, seemingly cruising and holding the edge in possession and also attack but unable to shake off the gutsy Blues.
Stuart?s selections for Game Two ? part injury-forced and part reaction to some ineffective play in the series opener ? are certainly curious. Starting props Jason King and Kade Snowden have been cut loose, along with Game One starting hooker Dean Young, with captain and lock Paul Gallen switched to the front row. Parramatta?s Tim Mannah, who came off the interchange last game, will partner Gallen from kick-off, with Michael Ennis to start at hooker. Greg Bird shifts to lock to cover for Gallen, with Ben Creagh promoted from the bench to partner Dragons team-mate Beau Scott in the second row.
Left centre Michael Jennings? ankle injury sustained while playing for Penrith last week sees 19-year-old Sea Eagle Will Hopoate (a specialist fullback) pull on a Blues jersey after just 15 NRL games, while Brett Morris? hamstring strain paves the way for Jarryd Hayne to return to the Origin fold; albeit on the left wing, not his preferred position. Roosters? fullback Anthony Minichiello, a Stuart favourite, dons the No.1 after incumbent Josh Dugan was ruled out for a month with ankle ligament damage last week; the 31-year-old hasn?t suited up for Origin since Game I in 2007.
The remainder of the squad confirms the NSW game plan, which will be to run, attack, and run some more. Former Blues captain Kurt Gidley, who missed Game One through a shoulder dislocation, warms the pine alongside gifted ball-playing Panthers back-rower Luke Lewis. They?re joined by broken-field wrecking ball Anthony Watmough, with Game One interchange prop Trent Merrin rounding out the 17. (Dean Young and Jason King are the shadow players in jerseys 18 and 19.)
Meanwhile the Maroons have just the two changes: Greg Inglis has recovered from a hamstring injury to take his place in the centres ? a timely return given Willie Tonga is unavailable after injuring his shoulder in Game One ? while Rabbitohs back-rower Dave Taylor has bumped Jacob Lillyman off the bench.
Watch Out Blues: Two words: Johnathan Thurston. The No.6 has been the standout player in the NRL this year, leading the all-important stats categories of try assists and line-break assists with 17 and 20 respectively. It was Thurston?s try in the fifth minute in Game One, trailing a Cameron Smith grubber kick, which set the Blues back on their heels. Support play such as that, and his famous show-and-go, will need to be monitored closely.
Dave Taylor?s inclusion gives the Maroons a potent left-edge attack that will target and terrorise Mark Gasnier, Jamie Soward and Akuila Uate all night. If it?s not Greg Inglis dishing out ?don?t argues? on Gasnier and stepping him on the outside, Taylor will be charging hard from close range, either taking on the defence or looking to slip a silky offload to Darius Boyd outside him. Taylor has 31 offloads for Souths in 2011, the fourth-most in the comp.
Meanwhile Corey Parker will be a threat doing exactly the same on the opposite side of the park. Parker has 32 offloads for the year to rank third-most dangerous second-phase promoter.
Danger Sign: If Cameron Smith is allowed latitude out of dummy-half, like he was in Game One, the Blues will find it impossible to wrest control. Smith touched the ball a massive 121 times in Game One and as the settled playmaker the Maroons were in the groove all night. Meanwhile Michael Ennis? 49 touches were the highest by a Blues player, illustrating to some degree their absence of a real go-to man.
Watch Out Maroons: Michael Jennings was devastating down the left edge last game, making game-highs in metres (179), line-breaks (three) and tackle-breaks (11). But with no Lawrence and no Brett Morris the Blues may choose to shift their focus to the right-side pairing of Mark Gasnier and Akuila Uate ? especially lining up against a potentially suspect Greg Inglis who has not been at his best for the Rabbitohs in either attack or defence (averages just 85 metres and nine tackles, with two misses). The key though will be for Gasnier to get the ball deeper, after club team-mate Darius Boyd contained him easily last outing. With room to move he can gift Uate open space ? Gasnier ranks fourth for line-break assists with nine, mostly from his trademark flick offload.
A greater workload on the right side will allow rookie Hopoate to ease into proceedings. He can definitely prove a game-breaker for the home side ? he?s scored eight tries and is averaging 17 runs for 152 metres a game.
Danger Sign: You?ll know if things are turning the Blues? way by the ability of the new mobile pack to bust the Queensland defensive line. If they are punching holes in the Maroons with energy and urgency midway through the first half, they?ll be on top.
Plays To Watch: Anthony Minichiello swapping with Jarryd Hayne when the Blues start a set of six inside the Queensland half ? Hayne is a freak at making things happen (nine try assists, 13 line-break assists) and is a better contributor with the ball in his hands than as a finisher on the flank; Jamie Soward getting to dictate the plays in the first half; Akuila Uate looking to punch through the right edge either from dummy-half or first receiver; Gallen ripping in all night; Billy Slater chiming in on both edges, Cameron Smith and Darren Lockyer punching the play down the short sides; Johnathan Thurston running any time the Maroons are camped near the Blues? 10-metre zone.
Where It Will Be Won: In our Game One preview we predicted the clash would be determined by the ?arm wrestle in the middle of the park?. That proved correct, with the Maroons dominating field position and territory. Queensland made 58 runs more than NSW for a 386-metre territorial advantage (1503 metres to 1117 metres). They achieved it through relentless go-forward and on the back of completing 11 sets of six tackles more than the Blues. Their starting props Matthew Scott and Petero Civoniceva totalled 297 metres between them ? Blues starters Kade Snowden and Jason King muddled to a combined 70 metres.
This is Origin, after all, so the arm wrestle will be the focus again.
Last preview we also observed ?possibly the key player here as far as the Blues are concerned will be new skipper Paul Gallen. The burly lock plays almost as an extra front rower?? Well, here he gets to play totally like a front-rower ? and he won?t look out of place. In Game One he stomped out 124 metres and he?s averaging the top number in the NRL with 183 a week, as well as the most hit-ups (241).
Stuart has surrounded Gallen with impact players. Mannah?s 177 hit-ups in the NRL are more than Civoniceva has made; big-striding Ben Creagh gets a chance to bend the line from the outset; and Greg Bird was the only Blues player other than centre Jennings to make a line-break last game.
Off the bench, Watmough?s past fortnight for the Sea Eagles has been stunning ? against the Bulldogs he made 17 runs, 133 metres with six tackle-breaks and 39 tackles and the week before against the Broncos he made 17 runs, 157 metres, six tackle-breaks and 33 tackles.
It?s a given the Maroons will play it tight and forceful from the start. If the Blues can seize the initiative from them early and get them back-pedalling, they just might have a sniff of extending the series to a decider in Brisbane.
The History: Played 91 (since 1980); Queensland 48, NSW 41, drawn 2.
Conclusion: This could provide a watershed game in State of Origin history. If the lightweight Blues? pack can get the better of the Maroons and provide a springboard to victory it could rewrite the manual for the accepted selection process. It?s a huge gamble by Stuart but it?s clear he?s not about to die wondering.
The Maroons are in the box seat. They are settled and are only strengthened by the inclusion of Inglis and Taylor. They haven?t put in a poor performance in more than five years; while some might say that only means the laws of probability suggest one is due, anyone brave enough to put money on it?
Match Officials: Referees ? Shayne Hayne & Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials ? Paul Holland & Daniel Eastwood; Video Refs ? Sean Hampstead & Russell Smith.
Televised: Channel Nine ? Live from 7.30pm.
* Statistics: NRL Stats
http://www.nrl.com
DIEHARD
12-06-11, 05:18 AM
Gal rallies state to back Blues
PAUL GALLEN has penned an impassioned plea to Blues supporters, urging the state to rally around the players as they attempt to prevent six years of Maroons domination.
The NSW captain will be leading from the front after agreeing to pack into the front row for the first time in his career.
And as the biggest game in his life approaches, Gallen sent an emotional message through The Sun-Herald to long-suffering supporters.
''It's time to show the Maroons that they're not just up against 17 players but a whole state that's behind their team,'' Gallen wrote.
''We've learned a lot from Origin I and, with the way we've prepared, I reckon we're primed for an even better performance. There are never any guarantees in Origin, but I can assure you we'll be leaving nothing in the tank … We know what's at stake … We're going out there to make you proud.''
NSW coach Ricky Stuart joked that Gallen had always been a ''prop hiding in a No.13 jersey''.
A former Cronulla teammate, Greg Bird, said: ''I'm sure this will be the first of many games for him in the No.10 jersey.
''Gal's a competitor - you could put him into any jersey and he'll do the job for you.''
However, Stuart predicted a full-time switch into the front row was still some time away.
''Not immediately,'' he said. ''I think he'll grow into the position as the game evolves and as time goes down the track in his career.''
Throughout the build-up for Origin I, Stuart didn't even mention the result. The 2002 premiership-winning coach has always maintained the first encounter was about setting the foundations then measuring the team against the all-conquering Maroons. But with the series now on the line, that has changed.
''It would be nice to win this game and have a decider,'' Stuart told The Sun-Herald.
''I don't know many players who prepare for a game of football and go out with the belief they can't win. I was very happy with what the first 17 players did in regards to taking a giant leap forward for NSW. Now it's the responsibility of this group to take another huge step forward.''
For the first time since 2005, the Sydney Origin game is a sell-out. Ten thousand of the seats will be taken up by supporter group Blatchy's Blues, who will wear blue wigs to mark the occasion.
There are plans to turn Homebush Bay into NSW's very own Caxton Street.
''It's a credit to the NSW people for getting behind this team,'' Stuart said. ''We've had outstanding support and amazing coverage.
''It's been very rewarding to the players to see the full-house sign is up - and that happened a fair few days ago.
''A lot of respect has been shown to the players in terms of the effort in the first game and it's up to us to take another step forward.''
The Blues have made five changes to the side which narrowly lost in Origin I. Stuart, who revealed his desire to get Jamie Soward involved earlier in the match, initially wanted to choose Brett Stewart at fullback but Manly coach Des Hasler convinced him the Sea Eagles custodian wasn't physically ready for the rigours of Origin.
Stuart also had to contend with the loss of assistant coach John Cartwright, who decided to devote his energies to his struggling Gold Coast Titans outfit.
Legendary Blues props Steve Roach and Glenn Lazarus have helped to take up the slack.
''[Lazarus] and Blocker have been keeping an eye on the front-rowers,'' Stuart said.
''A lot of it isn't about coaching - it's about enculturation and teaching players what Origin is about. A lot of these blokes weren't even born when Origin started.
''It's about giving them some background and history towards the event they're involved in.''
http://www.smh.com.au/
DIEHARD
13-06-11, 01:20 AM
Jebediah headline huge Origin entertainment festival
Australian rock sensation Jebediah will headline one of the biggest pre-game entertainment festivals in Harvey Norman State of Origin history for a sell-out crowd of more than 82,000 rugby league fans at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Together with the Sydney Children?s Choir and the Gondwana National Indigenous Children's Choir, a Blatchy?s Blues party for thousands of fans at Acer Arena and a Taste of Origin Food Festival, fans will be captivated from the moment they arrive at Sydney Olympic Park.
ARL Chief Executive, Geoff Carr, today encouraged all fans to beat the rush to Origin II and enjoy the pre-game celebrations.
?Origin is more than just a match, it is one of the biggest events in Sydney and the best way to enjoy it is to arrive at ANZ Stadium early and soak up the wonderful atmosphere that only State of Origin can provide,? he said.
?I encourage everyone travelling to ANZ Stadium to plan ahead, utilise the major event public transport services available and enjoy everything from great food and music through to the exciting action of the greatest interstate rivalry in sport.?
Taste of Origin features more than 30 restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, with a host of outlets to be set up along Dawn Fraser Avenue.
From 4.30pm-7.30pm, up to 3,500 Blatchy?s Blues fans will join Origin legends such as Laurie Daley, Gene Miles and Peter and Graeme Wynn, comedian Vince Sorrenti and Continuous Call team favourites the Robertson Brothers at Acer Arena for a pre-game party that will culminate with a NSW VB Blues fans march to ANZ Stadium.
Gates open at 5.45pm ahead of the kick-off to the Under 18s NSW v Queensland match at 6.10pm.
Jebediah, one of the pioneers of the 90s Australian alternative rock scene with hits like Leaving Home, Teflon and Harpoon, will perform "She's Like A Comet" pre-game and "Leaving Home" at half-time.
The Sydney Children?s Choir and the Gondwana National Indigenous Children's Choir ? known to many through their role in the Qantas Choir ? will perform the national anthem.
Game II of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series between NSW and Queensland will kick-off at 8pm.
All tickets to the match include travel on public transport - to and from the game - on CityRail, Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses, regular Sydney Buses, Liverpool to Parramatta T-way Buses and Sydney Ferries.
Fans are reminded to keep their tickets for the return journey home, as customers must have a valid ticket when travelling on public transport.
Please note that an additional access fee applies for travel from the airport stations to the city, which will require a separate ticket.
The following transports services will be available:
Trains
The closest CityRail station to ANZ Stadium is Olympic Park Station.
Getting there: Regular direct shuttle services are operating between Central and Olympic Park Station from 5.39pm until 9.30pm, stopping at Redfern and Strathfield stations.
If you?re travelling from other locations you should travel to Lidcombe Station and change for Olympic Park services, departing every 10 minutes to Olympic Park Station from 5pm until 9pm.
Some areas (Illawarra Line, Bankstown Line, Airport & East Hills Line and Northern Line) are also serviced by Sydney Olympic Park major events buses, which provide direct services to and from Sydney Olympic Park.
Getting home: Remember you need to keep your ticket safe for your return journey, as you must have a valid ticket when travelling on public transport.
Olympic Park to Central services are operating every 5-10 minutes until 12.30am. The final service to depart Olympic Park for Central will be at 1.07pm, stopping at Redfern and Strathfield stations.
Olympic Park to Blacktown services are stopping at Lidcombe, Granville, Parramatta, Westmead, Seven Hills and Blacktown stations every 6-9 minutes until 12.50am.
One extra South Line service is operating from Lidcombe Station stopping all stations to Campbelltown at 11pm.
An extra Newcastle & Central Coast service is departing Central at 10.46pm, Strathfield (11pm), Eastwood, Epping, Hornsby then all stations to Newcastle (arriving at 1.58am).
An extra Inner West Line service from Lidcombe departs at 12.41am stopping all stations to City Circle.
An extra South Coast Line service from Central departs at 11.01pm stopping all stations to Wollongong.
For any trackwork information visit www.cityrail.info/service_updates/trackwork/
Use the 131 500 Trip Planner to help plan your journey. It will give you up-to-date train and bus timetable information.
Buses
Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Bus services are operating on all 12 major event bus routes across Sydney, commencing between 4pm and 5.15pm (depending on the route). Bus services will depart Sydney Olympic Park after the game, with the last service departing at 11pm.
Scheduled wheelchair accessible buses operate on every route.
Sydney Buses is operating a normal Sunday timetable. Route 525 operates between Parramatta and Burwood via Sydney Olympic Park.
Ferries
Sydney Ferries is operating to a weekday timetable to and from Sydney Olympic Park. If ferry services reach capacity, please consider train services which regularly depart from Circular Quay Station.
ANZ stadium is an approximate 40 minute walk from Sydney Olympic Park Wharf. There is a connecting 526 bus from the wharf which goes near the stadium, which runs until 7.30pm.
Road Services
Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) may close some local roads, but access to businesses and residences will be maintained. For more details please check: www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/visiting/transport.
Taxi Services
A secure taxi rank will operate in Herb Elliott Avenue near Park Street. Please check www.nswtaxi.org.au for full details of taxi networks servicing the Sydney area.
Parking
Parking is subject to availability at Sydney Olympic Park. You must pre-book to guarantee a parking space. Parking tickets can be purchased through Ticketek on 132 849.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Customers requiring wheelchair accessible transport through areas affected by trackwork, should contact their local station prior to departure to arrange a low floor bus or other suitable vehicle. Please allow additional time if you require this service.
CityRail: Central, Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown, Granville, Auburn, Lidcombe and Olympic Park stations are all wheelchair accessible
Sydney Buses: 59% of State Transit?s fleet are now wheelchair accessible, and each new bus introduced into the fleet will increase the number of wheelchair accessible buses. Features of these buses include wide doors, wide aisles and space for two mobility aides such as wheelchairs, some ride-on scooters and prams or strollers.
Sydney Ferries: The entire Sydney Ferries fleet is wheelchair accessible via the 23 wheelchair accessible ferry wharves (pending tidal and safety conditions)
Liverpool Parramatta T-way Buses: All T-way bus services are low floor wheelchair accessible.
For further transport information go to www.131500.info or call 131 500.
http://www.nrl.com/j
DIEHARD
14-06-11, 12:05 AM
NSW, Qld fight for wet Origin advantage
The battle for wet weather advantage has taken over from underdog status as the pre-Origin battleground with NSW and Queensland both claiming Sydney's big wet will work in their favour on Wednesday night.
Days of persistent rain and the forecast for more showers ahead of State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium has both teams altering their plans as they attempt to capitalise on the expected slick surface.
A state-of-the-art drainage facility means the turf should hold together at the Olympic venue, but players will be advised to use long sprigs for better grip.
The Blues contend that this could be to their advantage given their smaller, more nimble pack, though they admit they would have preferred a hard surface.
"Obviously we'd prefer a dry track but a wet track's just fine," NSW centre Mark Gasnier said.
"The good thing is we know it's going to be a wet track and we've got a few days up our belt to prepare - we started to prepare even as early as Friday when we knew it was going to be a wet track."
While the Blues have gone with just two specialist props for game two, the Maroons have stuck with their three-man rotation of Petero Civoniceva, Matt Scott and Ben Hannant.
Asked if Queensland's size would give the visitors the upper hand in the wet, Gasnier replied: "I would say no ... I don't think the size is going to matter, I think the willingness is going to matter and you can only really tell that on Wednesday night."
Queensland have spent a week training on the Sunshine Coast in mostly dry weather and will have their final run at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday.
Maroon hooker Cameron Smith believes the weather could hamper NSW's desire to play an up-tempo game.
"NSW picked a forward pack, knowing the new referees had been told to speed up the ruck, so they picked two specialist frontrowers and the rest backrowers," Smith said.
"If it's going to be wet and sloppy and muddy - that takes those guys out of the game and brings everyone back to square again.
"Then it comes down to who holds onto the ball the best and generates the most pressure.
"We're happy with our preparation and, if they want to speed it up more, then I'm happy with that. It makes the job easy for me."
Smith said while it was an admission NSW's big forwards could not get over the top of Queensland in game one, it didn't mean they couldn't get the job done in Sydney.
"It's not that they can't beat us. It's just that their forward pack got dominated in game one and they're trying something different this time.
"Knowing it was going to be refereed differently, they've gone with forwards with good leg speed, who can manoeuvre around our big boys and try and get a roll on with quicker play-the-balls.
"But that won't be easy to do in the wet now."
http://www.nrl.com/
DIEHARD
14-06-11, 12:06 AM
Looks like it'll be another wet Origin in Sydney. Tough on the fans. But should make for a gritty classic. It'll help NSW imo for Queensland not to have a dry track.
Hm it worries me because the wet means its most likely gonna be a low scoring game and considering we've put all our chips in attack...
DIEHARD
15-06-11, 02:06 AM
I'm thinking of going to the cinema to watch the game. Go Maroons!
TITAN PETE
15-06-11, 09:05 PM
It's been a great first 40 minutes of Footy & I can't believe how good the Handling has been , well done to all 34 players & Carn the Blues
Indeed Pete, best half of origin football that we've witnessed in a long time!
Go the Maroons!!!
I don't like Gallen...never have but what a workhorse!
I don't like Ennis...never have....and still don't
But go u mighty F'en BLUES!
titansrawesome
15-06-11, 10:00 PM
queensland played with no heart, no spirit no soul they playe dlike nsw have for the last 5 series, the main culprits were rubbish combo of nielson and yow yeh and of course thaiday, well done nsw but queensland that was your worst performance for 6 years
oh...and my $5 for Blues to win by 8 was paying 5 x $23...Kinda wish the last try was scored in the corner..
BUT I DON'T REALLY CARE....YOU FREAKIN' BEAUTY!!
Now I sit back and listen to the excuses...:rolleyes:
Congrats Blues, it was a worthy win. Bring on Origin III :thumbsup:
Hell yeah ORIGIN is back!!!!!!! For the last few years, its been all QLD so I am loving the competitiveness being back in the game - oh and of course GO THE MIGHTY BLUES!!!!!
DIEHARD
15-06-11, 10:08 PM
Congratulations to the Blues on a deserved victory. Although I am thoroughly sick of knock backs being called knock ons, especially with two referees on the field. But that is a gripe in general for RL.
Minichiello was amazing, well done mate. One of the few Blues that I like. Along with Hindy. He is all class and shoved it right up his doubters. What a return to the top for one of the best players in the last 15 years I've seen.
Great crowd as well! Well done and thank god the weather held off, although that might have helped the Maroons.
Off to Brissie for Game 3 and a Decider, which means better TV ratings for Game 2 and 3.
titansrawesome
15-06-11, 10:09 PM
Congratulations to the Blues on a deserved victory. Although I am thoroughly sick of knock backs being called knock ons, especially with two referees on the field. But that is a gripe in general for RL.
Minichiello was amazing, well done mate. One of the few Blues that I like. Along with Hindy. He is all class and shoved it right up his doubters. What a return to the top for one of the best players in the last 15 years I've seen.
Great crowd as well! Well done and thank god the weather held off, although that might have helped the Maroons.
Off to Brissie for Game 3 and a Decider, which means better TV ratings for Game 2 and 3.
what do you reckon on that game changing inglis drop ball, knock on or not?
DIEHARD
15-06-11, 10:13 PM
Knock back. I think. I didn't see it enough. But this sort of thing, in general is butchering rugby league. Rugby League is all about ball movement and entertainment and flowing... and this ruins it. It's a worst crime IMO than those forward passes that get let go.
Queensland need to stick to a game plan out there. We hardly put any high kicks up as well.
But good luck to the Blues trying to win a Decider at Lang Park which will be Darren Lockyers last Origin game. Hhhhmmm.... it will be quite a spectacle.
titansrawesome
15-06-11, 10:16 PM
Knock back. I think. I didn't see it enough. But this sort of thing, in general is butchering rugby league. Rugby League is all about ball movement and entertainment and flowing... and this ruins it. It's a worst crime IMO than those forward passes that get let go.
Queensland need to stick to a game plan out there. We hardly put any high kicks up as well.
But good luck to the Blues trying to win a Decider at Lang Park which will be Darren Lockyers last Origin game. Hhhhmmm.... it will be quite a spectacle.
that would be awful if nsw ruined lockyers last moment, but nsw had the right gameplan and that was to outmuscle the qlders every set and contain the right side(inglis and boyd) sticky i knew was a great coach and this proves it
eelectrica
15-06-11, 10:29 PM
Knock on for Inglis. 2nd replay showed it.
NSW played a near perfect game and we were too soft. Had a feeling that might have been the case withm QLD team lounging away up north while Rickys boys were in lockdown mode.
gotitans101
15-06-11, 10:29 PM
Good luck beating us at Suncorp for Locky's last game, we also should have Hodges back by then. Nielsen and Yow Yeh looked totally lost out there tonight.
eelectrica
15-06-11, 10:34 PM
Now that we've had the invincible tag knocked off I think we'll finally see the real QLD team for game 3. What we've seen so far is a QLD team thinking they can cruise through the game and end up winning. I want to see last years QLD team that destroyed NSW in game 2 last year.
Smakked
15-06-11, 10:36 PM
GO THE BLUES!!!!
Awesome win played really well , Gallen is a Machine, i hope titans sign him lol
DIEHARD
15-06-11, 10:37 PM
Queensland need to make sure that they dont bloody back off and maintain the rage. I smell arrogance and complacency. And I hate it.
They need to remember the Origin of Origin, not this new dynasty. Because the tides can change if they don't keep it real.
What a great game! Especially the first half when there was like one error between both teams.
Haha go the Blues!!
eelectrica
15-06-11, 10:48 PM
Queensland need to make sure that they dont bloody back off and maintain the rage. I smell arrogance and complacency. And I hate it.
They need to remember the Origin of Origin, not this new dynasty. Because the tides can change if they don't keep it real.
That's the way I saw it too. We were dominating when we got 8-0 in front and then just feel away from that point on. Almost like they thought the game was won. All it did was make NSW mad and we couldn't answer.
DIEHARD
15-06-11, 11:08 PM
Queensland need to stop watching the highlight reels...
Im sure they will be switched on for Game 3. Surely there will be no excuses either way who wins this series!
Coaster
15-06-11, 11:22 PM
Didn't want Darren lifting the shield down there.
See u in 3 weeks.
Lol at Gus the dribbler saying the series should be over, QLD let nsw back into this series, they won't make that mistake again
titansrawesome
15-06-11, 11:26 PM
yeah qld didnt have that old fire and aggression we usually see, and thaiday and neilson and yow yeh again stunk hope hodges and tonga are back soon and put DALLAS JOHNSON in for thaiday
DIEHARD
16-06-11, 01:10 AM
I hope Hodges is fit, he is a competitor of the highest order. I was very disappointed with our centres. Pretty much everyone in the Maroons except Lockyer and Slater was average or above average.
Soward proved his worth with his kicking. He is worth it for that alone and he isn't a bad defender as everyone believes.
I'd be very keen to introduce Dallas, he is another one with the no holds barrred attitude.
Lewis vindicated my belief in him, he was magnificent. And Minichiello was fantastic and won't be losing his jersey even if Dugan was fit. Hayne was contained and Inglis rarely sighted.
titansrawesome
16-06-11, 01:51 AM
I hope Hodges is fit, he is a competitor of the highest order. I was very disappointed with our centres. Pretty much everyone in the Maroons except Lockyer and Slater was average or above average.
Soward proved his worth with his kicking. He is worth it for that alone and he isn't a bad defender as everyone believes.
I'd be very keen to introduce Dallas, he is another one with the no holds barrred attitude.
Lewis vindicated my belief in him, he was magnificent. And Minichiello was fantastic and won't be losing his jersey even if Dugan was fit. Hayne was contained and Inglis rarely sighted.
i think johnson in for thaiday and shillington for hannant, hodges for nielson and someone else for yow yeh
And all it took was Harrigan to decide how fast this game was to be played 3 weeks in advance and Ricky to pick his team accordingly.....
Of course we're going to a decider :rolleyes:
i think johnson in for thaiday and shillington for hannant, hodges for nielson and someone else for yow yeh
I agree with Shillington in for Hannant and Hodges for Nielson
But I wouldn't drop Thaiday even though he didn't have his best game.
What do you have against Yow Yew?
You want to drop him without offering a replacement.
The toads played just fine, it wasnt like they were flogged out of the park and let the blues win, they are not our titans and dont need 5 changes every week. The blues executed the game plan perfectly, the speed and enthusiasm of the backrowers didnt allow the QLD big men into the game.
IMO the refereeing is no different to the first game in terms of pace of the ruck. The blues pack were just faster and more mobile and wanted it more.
One of the best games I have seen in a long while.. Loved watching it (especially being a ****roach).
Steelers
16-06-11, 10:02 PM
Well that was something I didn't see coming. NSW played great but QLD finished poorly and that is something we rarely see.
I criticised the team NSW selected for Game 2 but it turns out I have been proved very wrong. Minichiello played like it was still 2005, Gallen proved himself to be a capable front rower and Hopoate thrived under the pressure. The NSW forward pack managed to tire us out and were too quick for us in the final quarter of the game.
I still think Ricky Stuart is a clown. He had a bad selection policy and picked a bad side for Game 1 and then decided to change his entire outlook for Game 2.
Bring on Game 3 :D
Queensland need to make sure that they dont bloody back off and maintain the rage. I smell arrogance and complacency. And I hate it.
They need to remember the Origin of Origin, not this new dynasty. Because the tides can change if they don't keep it real.
I agree. They seemed like they were just going through the motions. The same could be said about them in Game 2. I expect a completely different attitude from them though in 3 weeks time.
DIEHARD
17-06-11, 05:46 AM
Surely we need consistency of refereeing in Origin...
Surely we need consistency of refereeing in Origin...
What are you saying Brad. That Qld were ripped off??
DIEHARD
17-06-11, 06:06 PM
What are you saying Brad. That Qld were ripped off??
Nah we got beat fair and square, I just dont think it's right to change the nature of games over a three game series.
Steelers
18-06-11, 12:33 AM
Nah we got beat fair and square, I just dont think it's right to change the nature of games over a three game series.
It isn't right to change the nature of any of the games across the NRL. There are different interpretations and referring standards every game.
DIEHARD
18-06-11, 08:49 AM
But the NRL is made up of 8 games a week, 16 teams and 26 Rounds. Origin is three games.
Anyway, the Maroons should win in any circumstance. Don't think I'm trying to deflect the blame. We should have been able to handle it.
But Origin 3 will be truly an amazing game. I can't remember the last time I've waited for an Origin like this.
Steelers
18-06-11, 01:26 PM
But the NRL is made up of 8 games a week, 16 teams and 26 Rounds. Origin is three games.
True, but Origin is a reflection of the best of the NRL. The best referee's the NRL have to offer change their style on a weekly basis.
thelwall
18-06-11, 02:25 PM
there is no way in hell you can blame it on the apparent referee selections and nsw picking 2 props cause of it , because the play the ball was slow as
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