Born and raised in New South Wales, my excitement at attending this year’s State of Origin decider third is tempered by the reality that Queensland are the legitimate favourites.
Yes, New South Wales beat them in the second game, but it was at a neutral venue, not the old Lang Park in Brisbane.
Plus, Queensland invariably find a way to win, which is why they have won more series and are virtually unbeatable at home.
Bottom line, I’m firmly predicting a Queensland win, for whatever help that might bring the Blues.
That said, Queensland coach Billy Slater has appeared somewhat nervous since his second-match capitulation. His awkward demeanour was made worse by questions about his relationship with Selwyn Cobbo, raised by his Channel Nine colleague Danny Weidler.
Strange!
Slater said his colleague was promoting fake news and that the network was a disgrace for allowing it.
I guess when it comes to television you don’t always have to respect those around you. I always did that at Channel Ten, and not just because I signed a non-disparagement agreement.
Queensland coach Billy Slater (pictured) has been looking a bit nervous since his side’s capitulation in Game 2.
Slater said his Channel Nine colleague was promoting fake news and the network was a disgrace for allowing it. Pictured: Nine commentators Danika Mason and Millie Boyle
Slater has reportedly had a falling out with star player Selwyn Cobbo (pictured) over his coaching style with the Maroons. Cobbo is set to start on the wing
But the biggest indication that the Game 2 loss bothered Slater was his words at the press conference immediately afterward.
Asked if he would make many changes to the lineup following the loss, he said no and simply replied: “We’re from Queensland.”
What was all that about?
Watching tapes of NSW’s Game 3 win in Brisbane in 2005 gave me the answer.
That was a year that all New South Wales fans hope will mirror what happens this year. Queensland won the first game but lost the next two, including the decider at Lang Park.
What I had forgotten was that Slater played in the second game but was dropped from the decider. So Queensland coach Michael Hagan did not adhere to the approach that Slater has now, showing loyalty to those on the team that failed to win.
Or at least the defenders. So he chose two for the decisive match: Reece Walsh in the starting lineup and Kalyn Ponga on the bench.
Maybe that fall hurt Slater more than anyone realized. That explains how he feels now, as we count down to the start of the match.
In 2005, in the third game, NSW took a 32-0 lead, something that won’t happen tonight. Remember I’m predicting a Queensland win.
Whatever the outcome, it will be a spectacular game and it will be fun to be there no matter what the result. Go Blues!
New South Wales players are pictured during their Game 2 victory.
Queensland suffered a 38-18 defeat to the Blues at the MCG