Game II
New South Wales 38 def. Queensland 6 (Will Chambers penalty try, Kalyn Ponga 1/1 goal)
It was an awful performance from Queensland. They were out-played in every facet and lost their way in the second half. No doubt the Blues will go into Game III as heavy favourites as they have a chance to win back-to-back series for the first time since 2005. Queensland suffered some heavy defeats in those series: Game II 2003 (27-4), Game III 2004 (36-14) and Game III 2005 (32-10) but their 38-6 point loss tonight trumps them all and is the worst defeat I've seen since the disasterous Game III 2000 game where Queensland lost 56-16.
Queensland typically followed those performances up with a host of changes, but the cupboard appears fairly bare at this point. You would have to think Christian Welch will come straight in for Jarrod Wallace who blew his opportunity at redemption. Joe Ofahengaue may replace Tim Glasby who appeared to pick up an injury but options are looking limited.
One player I would like to see receive an opportunity is Kyle Feldt from the Cowboys. It's just a matter of how you go about getting him in the side. Feldt normally plays on the right hand side for the Cowboys, which presents a problem because Gagai has been one of the Maroons best in that position since his debut in 2015. Maybe Gagai could shift into the centres, but his defence has been a massive concern and I'm unsure if the Maroons would be willing to take that risk. Personally it's a move I'd make but I can understand the other side of the debate.
Tough couple of weeks coming up ahead as the Maroons do some soul searching. Kevie's coaching career in the Maroons hangs in the balance as he has to win a decider inside enemy territory.
