After Qld lost the series 3-0 and had 56 points put on them in a "dead rubber" back in 2000, mass changes were made to the organisation of the team and quite a few players were stamped "Never to play again". In 2001, with 2 home games and the foresight to invest in younger players, they reclaimed the shield (with a little help from Alf, but IIRC Webb, Parker and Petero all debuted in the forwards?)
This series was always going to be a transitional one for NSW- the drought was broken last year and the majority of the squad deserved another crack at Origin based on their gutsy effort to reclaim the shield. Losing to this Qld team, on enemy turf, would have been acceptable. But to lose their way like they did after they went 20 points down (irrespective of how much of a part the refs played in that score differential or not) can't be just dismissed as an "off night".
Coming into the second half, NSW needed to play percentages- no silly passes, discipline in the tackles and getting onside. They needed to patiently work their way back into the contest. In a tussle, I have faith in NSW. They have what it takes to get over Qld and wear them down in a grind. The problem is when Qld build a lead like they did in the first half last night- players lose their way, attack loses all structure and silly panic football costs them. Within the first 3 minutes of the second half, a stupid pass was thrown (forget by who) just 20 metres from the NSW line. Qld get a try from the ensuing set of 6. Honestly, what the f**k did Laurie tell the boys at halftime?
There are a few players who should have a line put through their name in permanent marker after last night. Daley should get one more series as coach. He has the luxury of two games in Sydney to aid him. But last night should be regarded as the closing of the book from the past decade. NSW broke the drought and foiled the Qlders' seeking the availability of '10NAROW' plates on PPQ. Mission accomplished. JT, Cronk, Smith and Slater only have a couple more years rep football left in them. It's time for NSW to start afresh, with new blood in the team. But firstly, some of the old blood has to be shed, the same as what Qld did 15 years ago. Thanks for the memories, but now's the time to plan not just for 2016, but for the decade following that. The law of averages says that NSW having a spine like Qld's over the last decade is a case of 'when' not 'if'. Time to get rid of the weeds and dying plants and prepare the soil. A new day is just on the horizon.
