I think that the results this series are less important than starting to turn around the putrid culture within the Blues squad that underpins the continual underperforming. I’m sure Latrell could come in and dominate a couple games. Same with Walker. They’re not going to change the longer term performance markers we see from the side.
Picking a guy like Turbo as captain, a guy like Edwards as fullback, guys like McInnes all helps establish work ethic, heart and drive as the key elements of being a Blue. Guys like Latrell need to know if they get brought into camp they’re just a cog in the machine and will need to bleed for their state. That’s what Walsh walks into for the Maroons despite also being a self involved twat.
I think the response to having a twat sent off was pretty encouraging. They didn’t embarrass themselves and had the best of most of that game. Responding ferociously in game 2 is key but I am all for getting defence and desperation first guys into roles as a marker in the sand. People bagged Martin for missing the tackle on Hunt while he was playing with a ligament injury but he is exactly the type of guy the Blues need right now, will bury himself to give his state a chance, despite not being at his best right now.