NSW V QLD

[Scorpion]

Good morning to all u speechless queenslanders out there.

GO THE BLUES


Scorpion

[MTpockets]

The best team won on the day. That team NSW had was an awesome selection of talent, and in my opinion will fill most spots in the test run on team. Even though I am maroon through and through, I know a quality side when I see it. Their attack was totally awesome and the way Barett controlled the game, gave queensland a defensive headache. Once the Qld forwards tired it was game over. Well done and I think we have a few things to sort out before feeling confident about beating that team in future.
That killed me to say it, but you'd be a fool to think otherwise.
No excuses, just had no hope.
cheers
Les

[DR]

Les, well done mate. After all at the end of the day it is only a game. not too many Queenslanders have the stones to stand & admit they were beaten by a better side, usually 'they wuz robbed'

still all that said "GO THE BLUES"

[MTpockets]

Too many years spent playing and coaching to lower myself to blame a result on a referee's call or the weather or crowd pressure. It's always 13 V 13 in the same areana with the same ball and the same weather / wind and ref. The one thing that stands out is the state of mind and attitude the players arrive with at kickoff. Talent isnt an issue due to the fact that at the level these guys play at they all have the ability to either beat a man one on one, or tackle a man one on one. Its usually the man with the more superior state of mind that will win out. The ref does make a big difference with the way he see's the game of course, but at that level I rarely see a ref totally lose it and therefore allow another team to manipulate him. The crowd does play a big part in what tempo a player can stay at, but in the end its what the player allows himself to think and do that makes the difference.
Coach's at that level do not have much of a bearing on the game apart from maybe set plays and his ability to make sure players go into the match mentally prepared. A coaches halftime speech has the ability to make or break a team with different tactics, but his ability to reset players minds is what I call a trump card. Many games are lost after halftime due to coaches not being able to get his players back to peak mental fitness. Last nights game was won in the first 10 mins when NSW dominated, and Qld didnt have an answer to it.
The ref had a good game as well.
cheers
Les

[kingmad]

Damn Les,

I was hoping for a few fiery responces since from somone ...... But you just had to be sensible. I think you're dead right mate. Real test for this team will be next State of origin when home advantage turns.

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

well said les,

it was obvious the blues were given the instruction to punish Qld in their own quarter regardless & spoil any scoring opportunities. They took the home crowd avantage, an uncertain first time ref & some very talented big men & built a huge momentum that just steamrolled thru last 50min. The better team with the better plan won.

Would they have been so fresh 10min before half time defending with 12 men (minus their best cover defender) against 4 of the fastest backs in the game - we will never know. But what a good game. Even some biff.

And about time fitzgibbon got Man of the Match - he deserved it in the second game - best man on the park in a losing team.

chris
QUEENSLANDER

ps do you agree that currently the mighty Slater's scintillating attack is negated by his denfensive lapses - he shouldn't get a test berth yet.

[MTpockets]

Fitzgibbon, most under rated player of his era. Roosters know when he isnt on the ground for sure. Totally agree with you chris
cheers
Les

[Maria]

Well said Les, well said indeed. Have to hand it to the blues, they played awesome attacking football and drilled Queensland with possession and time in the opposition's half. When your opposing team is so constantly in your half pressing your defence, it's only a matter of time. As Les said, team morale and the team keeping their cool is vitally necessary for a team who runs on after half time with a score line to chase. Unfortunately for QLD, that just didn't eventuate last night and the Blues played one way traffic throughout the second half.

Have to take my hat off to the ref too, was an extremely well controlled match and as Sterlo said when the biff started between a few players, the ref handled the situation extremely well - no overuse of authority, just a warning that would take the desired effect and keep respect between him and the players.

Top notch stuff.

Ben