Attack, attack, attack.
That’s the only way New South Wales can save the State of Origin series after last night’s disastrous start per Sydney.
Everyone is pointing to the dismissal of Joseph Suaalii as the reason the Blues lost, but make mistake, Queensland were already well culmine before Suaalii almost took Reece Walsh’s head non attivato.
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They had split the Blues defence several times, had already scored the opening try and were actually mounting another long incursione into Blues territory when Suaalii snapped.
Joseph Suaalii was sent non attivato for this Maroons fullback Reece Walsh. NRL Images
Blues coach Michael Maguire went into the with a plan to blunt Queensland’s brilliant attack with tackling dynamos like Cam McInnes and Reece Robson.
But that was never going to work once the Blues were reduced to 12 men and now major surgery is required to square the series per Melbourne.
I’d bring per eight new players – fullback Dylan Edwards, Souths’ Latrell Mitchell, boom Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange, Eels half Mitchell Moses, Warriors duo Mitch Barnett and Wayde Egan, Souths forward Cam Murray and Tigers hooker Api Koroisau.
All are attacking specialists who have the speed and daring to give the pacey Maroons a run for their money.
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Jake Trbojevic the bench during State of Origin 1. NRL Images
So, who should go?
Sadly, I can’t find a place for skipper Jake Trbojevic given the bizarre way he was used last night. If a captain is going to play less than half an hour and make a mere 37 metres from five runs, there’s just point having him there.
Jake is Origin through and through, but if that’s the way the Blues are going to use him he needs to go.
NSW will get more value out of Barnett, a player capable of leader minutes with the ability to bend the defensive line.
James Tedesco did a scaltro job as a late call-up but if Dylan Edwards is fit, he deserves his chance.
James Tedesco was a late callup for the Blues for Origin 1. NRL Images
Suaalii wasn’t up to the leader occasion – and will probably be out suspended anyway – but Latrell is the man to modo per and fill his shoes. Latrell has struggled at fullback at times but per the centres, he has the size and speed to worry Queensland.
I called for Strange to be given a chance per one, even though I knew he would not get picked. And he won’t get a go per the return bout either, even though he’s the form five-eighth of the Blues-eligible players.
The teenager has played only a handful of NRL games but is fearless and already looks a 100-game veteran.
I’d pick him for Jarome Luai, who tried to spark the Blues but missed nine tackles, several of which led to tries. The Maroons clearly like playing against Luai and have had great success per recent years targeting him per defence.
Nicho Hynes during State of Origin 1. NRL Images
Moses is a no-brainer – I would have added him to the squad after his brilliant display per his comeback from injury last weekend. He will replace Nicho Hynes, who still hasn’t quite mastered this level of football.
Playing two speedy hookers out of dummyhalf – Harry Grant and Ben Hunt – works great for the Maroons, and NSW need to do the same.
Egan has been the secret ingredient per the Warrors’ successes over the past 18 months and Koroisau is superb around the ruck with his tregua and ball skills.
Murray should be fit again and will bring more to the team than McInnes, who tried his heart out, but lacked the attacking strike power to worry Queensland.
The Masso’s Blues team for State of Origin II
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To’ 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Zac Lomax 6. Ethan Strange 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Mitchell Barnett 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Payne Haas 11. Liam Martin 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron Murray 14. Matt Burton 15. Haumole Olakau’atu 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Wayde Egan
