NSW coach Laurie Daley has accepted responsibility for the Blues’ disappointing first half in their 26-24 defeat to Queensland in State of Origin II.
The Maroons evened the series at 1-1 with a win in Perth on Wednesday, holding off a late surge from the Blues, who trailed 26-6 at halftime.
Although NSW scored the opening try, Queensland dominated the rest of the first half. The Blues gave away eight penalties, completed just 56% of their sets, and missed 22 tackles before halftime.
In the second half, the Blues mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring four unanswered tries. However, Zac Lomax’s three missed conversions and the team’s poor start proved costly. The series will now be decided in Sydney on July 9.
“I have to take responsibility,” Daley told reporters. “We started well, but the first half wasn’t good. I need to review my preparation because something went wrong.”
When asked whether he would make changes to his lineup for Game III, Daley stood by his players.
“I was confident at halftime because I know what this group is capable of,” he said. “But you can’t play one poor half against a strong side and expect to win. It’s a tough lesson. We’ll regroup and prepare for the decider.”
Daley acknowledged the excitement the deciding match would bring: “That’s what Origin is about — it creates theatre and headlines. People wanted a decider, and now they’ve got one.”
Concerns over Cleary’s fitness
Adding to NSW’s worries is the fitness of Nathan Cleary. Despite Zac Lomax struggling with conversions, Cleary wasn’t used as a goal-kicker. He only took on general play kicking duties in the second half.
With Mitch Moses sidelined for six weeks due to a calf injury, Cleary’s fitness is crucial for NSW ahead of the decider. Daley confirmed that Cleary had experienced groin tightness but was never in doubt for the game.
“He felt a bit tight in his groin, so we tried to limit the strain,” Daley explained. “Nathan is tough. His groin was tight, but he managed to get through.”
