Far too many dropped balls for my liking, and improved defense from NSW on their goal line. But considering the injury pressure I thought the side performed well.
My real concern right now lies with Dave Taylor. I was looking for big games from two players, being Cronk and Taylor. Unfortunately only one delivered. Questions must now be asked as to what role he is actually playing in the side. He's adding no real impact or line-breaking, nor is able to join in and do the rough stuff in the fashion of Myles or Thaiday. And his head just isn't right for the intensity of this contest. His dropped ball late in the game probably cost us the game, as NSW looked ready to crack at that point.
The Cronk decision was a fair one, and they'll cop that on the chin. But I loved the game he had, much improved on game one.
An eerily similar feeling to last years series now, we were well below par last year in the first two games only to unleash hell in game three. With Cronk warming to his role, Thaiday returning and Thurston keen to make amends I'll be confident they'll get the job done.