I expected Qld to charge hard for the first 20 minutes or so and maybe grab the opening try or two opening tries and then to be worn down and outlasted by the Blues around the hour mark. I figured that assuming the refereeing was going in their favour as it did in Game 1, I at least expected them to be "in it" on an effort level by that stage.
What I watched tonight felt a little surreal. Not surreal in a good way (like the last 30 seconds of the 2019 decider) or surreal in a bad way (like the last 30 minutes of Game 2, 2017) but just...not like what I normally expect to feel or see during an Origin match, for two reasons-
First, how quickly it actually felt "over". Qld put in something of an effort and looked a chance for the first 5 minutes- then you could just see the likes of Turbo and Latrell like tigers, hiding in the grass and eyeing the zebra. And once Qld realised that nothing they tried was phasing them, it was over. Qld just played like they didn't care anymore and didn't know each other, regardless of how out-gunned they were.
Second, how clinical and professional NSW were. It felt like watching the Maroons circa 2009-2011 where they play with the calm and precision that you see in a well-drilled NRL side. As a purist, I'd love to have seen this side pitted against some of those Qld teams in that 2006-11 period. As a Blue Blood- it's a pity Qld are so poor, because I think this current NSW squad (when pushed) could be capable of something really amazing besides just numbers on a scoreboard and I want to see that for the additional bragging rights. The Qld team was generally against better sides than this Qld side who tried harder, even if they didn't have the skill or organisation. I want this Blues team to rack up series wins, break records and (pointing to their opposition) go "we did it against THOSE guys. We earned it."
Awesome effort to leading 76-6 with a game to go and a single set of 6 to be played in the Home Of The 2021 State Of Origin Champions (TM). Maybe I am smug, in which case greetings to our Penrith brethren. I guess being cold and locked down thanks to the Bin Chicken (TM) isn't the worst thing when you can watch a quality football team who plays how you want them to, aye?
TL, DR:
Qld played like a bunch of individuals with no real plan or persistence, NSW played like a team with a plan and the arrogance to assume they'll get it done. I am somewhat faded, tunes playing and this one is on behalf of all the fine people of The Premier State.
