As a NSWelshman, I feel pretty flat. So much so, it’s taken this long to post this article.
So to ensure Pablo needn’t mention this game, here is my review
Let’s start by giving credit where credit is due.
Queenslander!
Queensland started fast against some very ordinary defence to take a 10 point lead in just the same minutes. They then scored another 10 points in the final 10 to take out the win.
Ultimately, whatever happened in between was irrelevant.
The Hammer scored twice. As did Cobbo. The nail in the Blues coffin was when Munster ran around two defenders to set-up Hamiso Tabuali-Fidow a clear passage to score. The fact the Cameron Munster scored off a Lindsay Collins back down was just the icing on the cake. But the game was already gone.
Every Queenslander mentioned above had great games. Prop Reuben Cotter quite rightly got the Man of the Match. And what can you say about Coach Billy Slater, he makes it look all so easy.
The Blues
NSW had to win this match. Queensland has all but wrapped up the series with a home 2nd game.
So what went wrong south of the border?
The wrong team was selected. Again.
Coach Brad Fittler and selector Greg Alexander keep reacting to the Maroons’ sins of past series.
Last year Josh Addo-Carr was dropped because they were concerned about tall wingers.
This year Tevita Pangai Jr, Tyson Frizell, Hudson Young were all selected to counter the disgraceful and cowardly attack by big Tino and Dane Gagai on Blues Matt Burton.
Again the Maroons are one step ahead.
Add to this, the selection of Tom Trbojevic, who is clearly injured, after only one good game the week before.
And there are either too many or not enough Panthers players in the team.
The Difference
Now I have heard all the same old Queensland rubbish. The pride in the jersey, wanting it more… blah blah blah.
The angriness from the commentators as they bristle when NSW colleagues dare question their famous pick and stick culture. I struggle to watch FoxSports’ NRL360 during this time of year.
The real difference is… if I put this in military terms, Queensland are like the marines where NSW is Top Gun. If Latrell Mitchell had played, the Blues backline would have consisted of three fullbacks. Stephen Crichton came in to play as a specialist centre and had a great game.
NSW’s problem has always been too many ball players in too many positions.
I feel this series will be all over before it begins.
