This time last year, the consequence of the first game in the State of Origin series was a lot different.
Queensland had been humiliated 50-6 and it wasn’t about whether there would be changes, but how many Paul Green would do in an attempt to save the series.
It didn’t matter anyway, with the Blues closing out the grenades 26-0 to signal what looked like the start of a dynasty.
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Brandy points out the great weakness of the Blues 01:04
But just a year later, New South Wales are left to do their own research after a 16-10 defeat at the opening of the series.
In fact, the Blues and Isaah Yeo were just a few meters away from sending Wednesday’s game to the golden spot, so there is no need to overreact.
NSW assistant Greg Alexander admitted on Thursday that coach Brad Fittler will make some “adjustments” to the team before the second game.
With that in mind, foxsports.com.au has analyzed where these changes are most likely to occur.
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What changes should the blues make? (Photo by Mark Kolbe / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
BACK FIVE
1. James German – SAFE
Tedesco – and all five of them later by extension – did the heavy work on Origin I, but it was the Roosters’ side who led the way with 270 meters, four wrecks and a line break. Tedesco doesn’t lose his side jumper at any point soon.
2. Brian To’o – SAFE
Like Tedesco, the Panthers winger was one of New South Wales’ top performers on Wednesday, running 204 meters and bursting five tackles. His defensive decision-making is solid and the 23-year-old will only improve as he grows more confident since he returned from a knee injury.
3. Cotton Staggs – IN DANGER
Contenders: Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham
Staggs would have kept his place if he had not fallen with a shoulder injury. But if the Broncos center is not available for the selection ahead of Origin II, the Blues have many options. Stephen Crichton is the logical substitute given that he was appointed to the extended bench and is a true difference maker in attack. He also understands how attack systems work with Penrith teammates Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai directing the show. Latrell Mitchell could be another contender, although he has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the sixth round and has since tested positive for Covid-19.
An injury could rule out Kotoni Staggs. (Photo by Mark Kolbe / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
At this stage, Mitchell has no guarantee that he will be able to play next week against the Dragons and it is very unlikely that he will be thrown into the Boiler of Origin without a proper form of the game.
“I appreciate what Latrell Mitchell can bring to the table.” The Daily Telegraph David Riccio told ‘NRL Tonight’.
“I’m just afraid it might be a bridge too far for Latrell. No foot in about seven weeks now due to a Covid symptom-related illness. We’ve seen players struggling to find their feet after Covid and ask to Latrell, as good as he is, to go straight into the Origin arena with the series in play. “
If Crichton is still useful and Mitchell is out of shape, Rabbitohs team-mate Campbell Graham is the best option.
4. Jack Wighton – SAFE
He was supposed to be the weak point of New South Wales, but Wighton was the best of the blues in the defeat, finishing with 166 yards, five tackles, two line breaks and one try. When the Blues needed points in the dying stages of the game, Wighton seemed the best chance to deliver them. He stays still.
5. Daniel Tupou – SAFE
It can be argued to remember Josh Addo-Carr given that his speed could have given the Blues a point difference in attack. “With the series in play, you need this Maroons team to be a little scared of the blues and speed is something you can’t replace in the rugby league and that’s what Foxx brings,” Riccio said of Addo. -Carr.
“A ball dropped or a loose load and he grabs it, he’s gone, he’s out and he’s keeping the edges of Queensland ready.”
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Daniel Tupou did not have a good day today, often losing his footing on the muddy pitch. (Photo by Cameron Spencer / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Matty Johns also said it was a “mistake” not to choose Addo-Carr SEN radio that the end of the Bulldogs is “the captain of the energy and excitement of the field.”
Riccio admitted it would be a “tough call” to dump Tupou after he did little wrong, running for 195 meters. Of course, Tupou may not have the speed to burn like Addo-Carr, but his actions cannot be underestimated from the depths of half of New South Wales.
And if the Blues win the ruck in Game 2, it could give Nathan Cleary more chances to kick Tupou, who can then use his aerial skills to his advantage. Simply put, Tupou simply did enough on Wednesday to secure the selection again.
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METITATS
6. Jarome Luai – SEGUR
Luai did well to engage the defense on Wednesday, creating three line breaks in the process, though he could also ease the kick pressure on Nathan Cleary. His Panthers teammate stayed to make the most of the stitch (586 of 629 meters) and was very marked by the Maroons strikers.
It made the blues predictable and easy to close at last. Even if Luai doesn’t have Cleary’s long-running kick-off game, he could get more involved in the red zone of the opposition, especially considering the skillful touch he has on his short-range kicks.
7. Nathan Cleary – SAFE
Cleary was drowned by Queensland, with limited time and space in attack. The Panthers midfielder struggled accordingly, with his kick-off even without his usual polishing. While the Blues could have done better by putting a platform on Cleary, the 24-year-old is not completely acquitted.
He could have played a little more outside the structures to add a much-needed variety to the New South Wales attack, keeping Queensland guessing. Instead, what was offered was too predictable and easy to cover. However, given his trajectory, there is no concern that Cleary will be abandoned.
Cleary: ‘It was a check on reality’ | 02:23
COME IN
8. Payne Haas – SAFE
As the only striker to reach 100 meters (139 of 15 runs), it is safe to say that Payne Haas, who also made 36 tackles, will not lose his Blues jumper soon.
9. Damien Cook – IN DANGER
Contenders: Apisai Koroisau
This is where it gets interesting. While Cook was guilty of exaggerating his hand at times, there’s no chance he’ll be left out of Fittler’s side for Game 2. That doesn’t mean he’s not in a new role.
Josh Reynolds suggested to Fittler to start Panthers hooker Apisai Koroisau, which allowed Cook to enter the middle of the game and wreak havoc with his speed and footwork on the half mannequin. Even if Cook still retains his starting place, Reynolds is right that the Blues could do it with another prostitute on the bench to give Cook a break.
Damien Cook could return to the bench. (Photo by Cameron Spencer / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard – SAFE
Maybe a return to the bench could be ready for Campbell-Gillard, but he has earned the right to a second chance at Game 2. Riccio believed that Campbell-Gillard “didn’t leave the impression he thought he would have wanted.” .
But there was an idea to it – the misdirected ball was turned into a cross towards Campbell-Gillard, who was waiting for it in the box.
The Eels striker played a key role in saving two Queensland tries after a break from Cameron Munster, one on the posts and the other on the right corner. This in itself shows how willing he is to work to ensure the outcome of his teammates.
15. Liam Martin – IN DANGER
Martin is unlikely to lose his place on the sidelines, but could be back on the bench if Cameron Murray is fully fit for Game 2. Fittler explained that he wanted Murray, who was still returning to full form. after a shoulder operation, he returned to the Origin arena. That could change with the series in play and Martin struggling to make an impact in Game 1.
The Panthers ’Tearaway ran just 26 yards, though he made 46 tackles and his aggressive style of play may be more appropriate to get off the bench. However, you will need to check for errors.
Fittler’s inopportune mid-game interview | 00:42
12. Tariq Sims – IN DANGER
Competitors: Angus Crichton, Tyson Frizell, Haumole Olakau’atu, Keaon Koloamatangi
The numbers of the Sims on paper are not so bad, they run 74 meters and make 21 tackles. That being said, he was badly caught on defense before Daly Cherry-Evans’ try in the second half.
Riccio said the Blues need an injection of “fit, fast and powerful” players up front to match the striker the Maroons played with. Unfortunately for the Sims, the best chance of finding it is in the back row.
The Blues are stacked by options, with Angus Crichton and Tyson Frizell offering plenty of experience. Riccio, however, aimed for Haumole Olakau’atu from Manly and Keaon Koloamatangi from South Sydney.
“You need some players to scare Queensland players back and these two guys would definitely do it,” he said.