I said it was hard to win an Origin series 3-0. When the elite players of the code are on the field, it’s the little things that make the difference. Tonight NSW did the little things right at the crucial moments and came away with a 24-10 win over series winners Queensland.
To use a cliché, it was a game of two halves. In the first half, the Blues showed energy, commitment and flair as they put on an attacking display completely at odds with their clumsy efforts in the first two games of the series. After conceding the first try of the match, NSW hit back with three in ten minutes from the fifteenth minute to take control of the game. Their left side attack, featuring Walker, Addo-Carr and Best, terrorised the Maroons’ right side defence, with Holmes either caught out of the line or misreading the play, leaving Coates exposed. Queensland did themselves no favours by giving away at least three silly penalties that conceded both field position and points. Silly play!
In the second half, NSW defended in a manner that was also absent in the first two matches in Adelaide and Brisbane. The Maroons had a run of both field position and possession for about 20 minutes but could not turn it into points because the Blues either met them head-on or scrambled doggedly to keep their line in tact. The Hammer and Holmes fluffed opportunities over the line and the vibe was all in favour of the Blues. When their chance eventually came, the Blues scored to wrap it up. The final scoreline was a pretty fair reflection of the game.
Cameron Murray and Cody Walker were the best players on the field. Murray, correctly starting at lock, provided good run and creativity that kept the Maroons’ defence guessing. ‘Jurbo’ and Martin provided the grunt while RCG bent the line a few times. All of this gave Moses and Walker both time and space to direct the attacking backline where Addo-Carr, Best, To’o and Crichton were always dangerous. Tedesco had his best game of the series, even if he tended to overplay his hand a bit at times.
In the end, it was a seventeen man, eighty minute effort. That’s usually enough to win a game any day of the week. It sure worked a treat tonight. Why didn’t they do it in the first two games? Debutant Best was very strong and looks like he belongs in this company and Koloamatangi was solid. Cook is the right starting No. 9 and curbed his own creativity in favour of his team’s game plan. Poor old ‘Gutho’ only got about 4 minutes on the park when the game was all over but his club form made him deserving of being in this team.
The Maroons just never got into their stride. Perhaps scoring first made them a little complacent. They tried hard but it seemed that the harder they tried, the more clunky and disconnected they became. Passes missed their mark, silly penalties cost yardage and created more work in defence, and a lack of any real forward drive curbed the potential influence of DCE and Munster. Holmes and Coates were caught out more than a couple of times.
Queensland had both the time and the opportunities to get back into the game in the second half but their rhythm still wasn’t there and the Blues’ defence was up to any challenges thrown at them. Cotter put in another whole-hearted effort in attack and defence, Ben Hunt had his best game of the series and Brimson was solid at the back. The Hammer scored in every game of the series and should have had two tonight to get Queensland back in the game but fumbled at the crucial moment. But he’s the find of the series as a centre and a long-term Maroon.
Cody Walker picked up Man of the Match honours although I would have gone for Cameron Murray who did the hard work when it counted in the first half and then continued with a solid defensive effort in the later stages. Rueben Cotter received the Wally Lewis medal for Player of the Series, a deserved recognition of his non-stop input both with and without the ball throughout all three games. An Origin player if ever there was one!
Referee Ashley Klein had a very good game and was, to all intents and purposes, invisible.
So what do we make of the 2023 series? NSW struggled because of injuries to key players at various stages – Turbo and Jurbo, Cleary and Mitchell for starters: all first choice players. Then there were a few odd selections along the way that didn’t help – the retention of Luai for Game 2, the bench players in the second game, even the selection of Gutherson for Game 3. Campbell Graham wasn’t available when the opportunity presented itself. Tedesco had an ordinary series by his standards. It makes you think that if NSW can get its best 17 on the paddock, then they can look forward to a much better 2024. As for coach Fittler, let’s see what happens. He seems to have the players’ support, besides which there doesn’t seem to be an obvious alternative.
Given the above, Queensland did very well to take advantage of their opponent’s disadvantages – winning against the odds in that amazing last 10 minutes in Adelaide and then dominating at Lang Park. But let’s not understate their achievement as a squad. It’s another cliché to say that ‘ the Maroons get Origin’ and they select players who fit the historical mould, eg Cotter and Collins, to supplement the likes of ‘naturals’ like DCE and Munster. Cherry-Evans will go down as one of the best Queensland captains – always giving 100%, always leading from the front, always on the lookout for an opening, always trying until the very last minute. Walsh is the other find of the series – now he needs to get his head around his emotions a bit better. The changes from last year’s team – Papali’i to Tino and Cotter, Gagai to The Hammer – provide a future to build on. Taulagi, Coates and Cobbo (not forgetting Oates) will drive each other to better things as they compete for selection. And coach Slater is a ‘hit’ – sign him up for a long-term deal.
State of Origin remains the pinnacle of the code and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
a great summary, Ian
the Maroons were not quite on their game last night, what did the coach say “you get what you deserve”
credit to the Blues, Cody stood up in a big game. I thought Cam Murray was immense, too. Freddie put the wrong Souths player in the centres in Brisbane (Cook). Murray played schoolboys rugby in the centres.
he is dynamic
Qld defence was unusually flimsy at times – lacking intensity and urgency. Surprised to see NSW run past a couple of big names.