Laurie Daley’s return to coaching in the State of Origin arena seemed to mirror his first stint, with Queensland claiming victory once again. This time, however, Daley led what many considered to be the stronger roster on paper. The NSW team faced formidable opponents like Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, and Cooper Cronk, making it a tough battle from the start. But the inclusion of players like Gehamat Shibasaki raised eyebrows and hinted at a different narrative unfolding.
In the series decider, held on their home ground, NSW was expected to capitalize on the dry track. However, Queensland dominated the first half, completing all 21 of their sets and leaving the Blues struggling to find their footing. Despite some glimpses of hope, such as a penalty awarded to NSW, Queensland’s performance was near flawless, showcasing their dominance on the field.
The Maroons’ early lead of 20-0 effectively sealed the game by halftime, leaving NSW with a significant gap to bridge. Laurie Daley acknowledged the challenge of overcoming such a deficit in Origin matches, emphasizing the resilience his team displayed despite the outcome not being in their favor.
The elements leading up to Queensland’s victory painted a familiar picture of a Maroons ambush. From the return of Josh Papali’i from retirement to the unexpected rise of Shibasaki and the underdog status bestowed upon them by bookmakers, everything set the stage for a classic Queensland triumph. Cameron Munster’s standout performance, especially amidst personal tragedy, added a poignant layer to the Maroons’ storyline.
Munster’s courage and resilience on the field, supported by Tom Dearden’s stellar play, showcased the depth of talent within the Queensland squad. Players like Shibasaki and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, considered unconventional choices, proved their worth with inspired performances that contributed to Queensland’s success.
The relentless pressure exerted by Queensland, both offensively and defensively, left NSW struggling to match their opponents’ intensity. Despite the efforts of key NSW players like Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o, Queensland’s cohesion and determination outshone the Blues’ performance on the night.
The series loss raised questions about Daley’s future as the Blues’ coach, with doubts surfacing about his ability to guide the team to victory. However, Daley remained steadfast in his belief in the team’s progress and highlighted the need to capitalize on crucial moments in future matches.
As the dust settled on another Origin clash, the recurring theme of Queensland’s resilience and NSW’s struggle to overcome their rivals lingered. The question remains whether NSW can break the cycle of defeat and emerge victorious in future encounters.
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