The Blues started game one well but couldn’t maintain the rage for the whole 80 minutes, in the second half Queensland made twice as many metres as the Blues and Cronk was given great field position. The Blues second half was poor and their forwards gave their halves no room or field position at all.
Queensland’s big weapon was their back five- Blues 480 metres and Queensland 877. Dugan was 178m of their 480m. Hodges had 18 runs for 183m with 12 of those from dummy half for 118m. While Chambers ran 23 times for 242m with 6 times being kick returns and the rest one out like a forward. Queensland’s back five got them in great position to kick and attack.
New South Wales left edge was found out in game one. Cherry Evans plays on that side (right) for Manly and Cronk and Jono swapped a lot in game one- something they don’t normally do. Queensland always go left; Inglis had 21 possessions in game one with 14 of those coming in the attacking zone. I think Queensland need to go to the right more and DCE will demand the ball to get at that left edge.
Queensland will again exploit Woods who can be lazy- makes meters but isn’t too big on doing the little one percents in defence. Smith will go if he’s at marker. Cronk's try was a perfect example.
The bench is very interesting; in game one the Blues used their bench for 116 minutes in total at an average of 29 minutes each while Queensland used theirs for 93 minutes in total with average of 23 minutes each. Yet Queensland got more from their bench, they kept the momentum going in the second half and they didn’t miss a single tackle.
Queensland need to start better and New South Wales need to get more from their bench and back five.
It’s greasy and wet down here; Blues will play through the middle again and with Gallen make big metres in the hope that will get a better game from their halves. Queensland will attempt to play football but if they can’t I am still confident they can get the job done and wrap up the series.
I hope NSW bring the niggle. It's been a huge part of our success over the years as they focus on cheap shots instead of playing footy.
On a similar note, glad to see Gallen back. Firstly, because it helps inject some feeling into proceedings. Secondly, because it's always sweeter to add to his losing record.