Origin - 5 Talking Points Ahead of Game 3
1. Cherry Evans Takes Centre Stage
The stakes are highest for recalled Queensland halfback Daly Cherry Evans. At 29 years of age, Cherry Evans needs a Queensland victory to put a mortgage on the halfback spot for next year’s series, or he risks being cast aside for good. I believe, on pure talent and class, he is Queensland’s best halfback, however he has had a mixed few years with continual snubs, a mediocre season at Manly, as well as tirades directed at him from former team mate Anthony Watmough. With the likes of Kayln Ponga and Ash Taylor on the horizon, Cherry Evans will need to put in a commanding performance tomorrow night to convince the Queensland public that he is capable of lifting his game to the next level.
2. Cleary Looks to Make His Mark
Nathan Cleary is probably going to be the Blues’ halfback for many years to come. He has done well this series, however has been far from a standout. Cleary would have seen the treatment Queensland dished out to Ben Hunt, dropping their halfback after two games, and also that Mitchell Pearce became the whipping boy for New South Wales, to know what scrutiny falls on halfbacks when their team doesn’t win. The fact that NSW are up 2-0 has helped Cleary ease into a role he has not truly commanded in either game to date. I imagine, with the series wrapped up, he will be looking to have more impact in attack in Game 3 and share responsibilities more with James Maloney.
3. Walters Looks Like a Man Feeling the Strain
I think it’s a big game for Kevin Walters too, who has appeared to be a man under pressure at times this series. Walters looked emotionally drained when he lashed out at the social media criticism of his team in the lead up to Game 3. He has had a tough year, after quitting his assistant role at the Broncos, and dealing with a number of team disruptions with the Maroons, including the shock retirement of Cameron Smith. Whilst losing his first series in his third year in charge could hardly be considered a disaster, getting swept at home would not go down well north of the border. With names likes Wayne Bennett, Paul Green and Anthony Seibold all Queenslanders, there would be no shortage of candidates.
4. Clean Sweep a Rare Feat
Last time the Blues won a series was back in 2014, and they found themselves in the same situation 2-0, heading to Queensland with talk that the Queensland era of dominance was over. They were subsequently belted 32-8 at Suncorp Stadium, and Queensland hit back to win the next three series. It’s not imperative the Blues win Game 3, given clean sweeps are extremely hard to come by, with just two achieved in the last 21 years, despite the domination of Queensland. However it is a golden opportunity to really put a dagger into a fragile Maroons’ set up. This New South Wales team has plenty of young players, bound to get better, and the future and winning in Queensland would be a major psychological blow ahead of next year’s series.
5. Farewell Billy
Billy Slater will play his final game for Queensland and, somewhat fittingly, Captain his State for the first time. Slater will go down as an all-time great, having revolutionised the way the fullback role is played, with his all-action displays in attack and defence lifting the bar for expectations of the modern day fullbacks. Whilst it’s perhaps easier to maintain form as a 34 year old in the halves or at hooker, where the likes of Smith, Cronk and Thurston play, it’s more remarkable for a fullback to be near the peak of his powers, which Slater remains. His impact coming into both series in Game 2 in 2017 and 2018 was immediate, and it’s a credit to his mental determination and professionalism that he has returned in such great form, despite missing nearly two years of footy with serious shoulder injuries.