In my belief, this is the series NSW had to lose. For far too long the way the team is run, selected and prepared for an Origin series has been nothing short of lazy. Thats right, lazy lazy lazy farkin lazy.
The selectors in the past have been able to pick a dominant player (Fittler, Johns, etc) then build a team around them. These players had the skill, experience and natural leadership to motivate teams on their own. All the team staff had to do was point the boys out the tunnel and let them do their thing.
Nowadays (ie since 2006) NSW has lacked that standout player and the selectors have crapped their dacks. They actually had to think about who they were selecting in positions and if those players fell short the big bad axe was brought down hard. How is a team supposed to gell when they are changed so much not only from year to year but from game to game?
Who is motivating these players now? Without the Joeys or the Freddys out there to inspire, these kids seem to have to lift themselves. Where's the past greats in the sheds telling them "You're wearing the #9 kid. I bled in that jersey and Ill tell you why...." and Im not just talking about having Johns and Carty as assistant coaches but farkin fill the sheds with Blues legends like Blocker, O'Conner, Turvey, Guru, Freddy, Chicka, Backdoor, Mary and get them in every young blokes ear about how much that jersey means and how bloody great it feels to put those Qlders in their place.
The sh*t has gone on far too long. If there arnt real changes to the teams back office after this year then NSW are developing a real losing culture and it kills me to see it.
