Blues motivated by criticism
By Todd Balym
June 28, 2007
NEW South Wales winger Jarryd Hayne says constant media criticism will be motivation for the Blues to prevent a State of Origin series whitewash against Queensland next week.
The Blues have copped a flogging in the media throughout the Origin series with past greats calling for player and coach sackings and several stars told they face the axe if they don't perform.
Hayne, who escaped widespread criticism from his Origin I gaffe because he had scored a remarkable try earlier in the game, said the negative media attention was inspiration for NSW to succeed at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
"We're not playing for a trophy but we're playing for spirit and for not getting a smashing in the paper," said Hayne. "It was so close both games and we weren't far off a win. It's not as bad as everyone is trying to make out.
"If we lose (the press) have a field day so there's a lot at stake."
NSW players Jamie Lyon, Brent Kite, Luke Bailey, Brett White, Nathan Hindmarsh and Braith Anasta have worn most Origin criticism this year - White dropped for the dead-rubber and Anasta out with a broken hand.
Lock forward Andrew Ryan believes the NSW players have a responsibility to repay the faith shown by selectors in not bowing to public pressure and making wholesale changes.
"The media talk has been to sack a lot of blokes and get a lot of new ones in (but) the selectors have hung with us and know we weren't far off in both those games," said Ryan.
"We did lose and we accept that but it wasn't as if the guys went out there and didn't have a go and we got beat by 40.
"The selectors have been great right throughout this series for NSW and we want to go out and get a win for NSW and hopefully the fans who have stuck with us through it all."
AAP
