Most of the changes they made were obvious ones tbf, but the oates axing is brutal and kills the QLD loyalty shit forever, he was one of their best and they dropped him quicker than ben hunt catching, stinks of panic or some kind of beef behind the scenes, either way QLD is showing massive cracks both on and off the field.
holmes is a better player.
selecting Oates again is like NSW selecting BMorris again when it's obvious NSW have better players to play on the wing.
besides, although Oates didn't too much wrong, he was largely nullified throughout the match by NSW tactical kicking. He couldn't help out on 2nd or 3rd tackles as a winger should.
Boyd normally runs it back for the Broncos and Oates would likely take the next carry if it's close to his side of the field. Oates can't stand up the defence on a return and he provided no challenge for NSW chase defence in Game 1. NSW also prevented any return impact Boyd could have, and any '6th' forward carries Oates could provide.
Now, QLD willll have 3 players at the back who will be effective returners. The weakness of Oates here is gone.
