Cameron Munster is starting to display Wally Lewis-like tendencies – and it’s frightening for NSW.
I said during the commentary of last week’s State of Origin series opener he was quiet and it was scaring the hell out of me. Well, a few minutes later he set up Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s try and then backed up Lindsay Collins to score the sealer while the Maroons were down to 12 men.
Make no mistake, there was absolutely nothing cooking for Queensland when he set up Tabuai-Fidow’s try. Nothing. Next thing you know, Queensland has won a game out of nowhere.
But that’s his personality, he’s a risk-taker, a gambler, someone who plays without fear of making an error. When the game is on the line and those big moments are happening, he wants the ball. He demands it.
To do it at Origin level, it means he’s a very rare player.
How do the Blues stop him for game two?
Maroons playmaker Cameron Munster.Credit: Getty
Firstly, you can’t stop him completely. But what you can do is limit his opportunities. That is going to be so crucial for Brad Fittler when NSW try to level the series in Brisbane.
And if the game opens up, look out.
Coaching experience and club unity must-haves for Dragons
Where do we start on the Dragons?
Firstly, the man to take over the head coaching role shouldn’t be a rookie coach. It has to be someone who has been around the block and has run an NRL team in the past.
Shane Flanagan could be the man for the Dragons.Credit: Getty Images
I’ve heard Shane Flanagan’s name pop up and he’s an obvious candidate. I look at St George Illawarra’s roster and there is something to work with. Tyrell Sloan, Jayden Sullivan and Junior Amone have all shown glimpses of talent, Toby Couchman looks a really promising type in the forwards and I still don’t understand how Zac Lomax and Moses Suli don’t see cleaner ball in the centres.
From the outside looking in, it doesn’t appear everyone at the club is pulling in the same direction. If there are squabbles on the board, then those people have to fall on their swords. Just move on. We’re talking about one of the most famous and proudest clubs in Australian sport. They desperately need solidarity at a time like this.
Take a leaf out of how the Storm are run, from owner Matt Tripp down to Craig Bellamy and Frank Ponissi.
It appeared the Dragons had Jason Ryles hook, line and sinker. I still can’t believe they didn’t manage to convince him when he’s a former player at the club, lives in the area and was on the hunt for his first head coaching job.
I just looked at those circumstances and shook my head.
Attack should dominate in Titans-Tigers clash
I know some people will think the Titans-Tigers game to start the round might be a stinker, but the more you look at it you see they’re both teams that really like to attack. On the other hand, defence isn’t the major priority. I dare say there will be some points scored, and it will be entertaining.
I have no idea what’s happening with the Gold Coast’s capitulations in the second halves this year. It’s got to be more to do with what’s happening between the ears than anything else. They’ve got to have more of an attitude to defend their way to wins.
Wests Tigers No. 1 Jahream Bula.Credit: Getty Images
I look at their team on paper and like it. It’s a strong forward pack and Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been a revelation on the wing. He’s lightning, and you can’t beat speed.
Just a quick word on Luke Brooks’ resurgence in the past month: he’s finally playing to his strengths and simplifying his game. The thing about him is he’s not going to play like many other halfbacks. So if you can’t, concentrate on your own strengths.
I watched him closely in his 200th NRL match against the Cowboys and he just went back to his running game, particularly on that left edge. It was fantastic to watch.
The slippery surface hampered them last week against the Raiders, but they’ll take confidence out of that three-try burst while Tom Starling was in the sin bin.
They’ve got two long-term prospects in fullback Jahream Bula and winger Junior Tupou. They’ve got to keep those younger players and get as much out of them as they possibly can.
AJ Brimson is a huge inclusion for the Titans and the match-up with Bula will go a long way to deciding the winner.
I’ve been really impressed with young Stefano Utoikamanau, too. I knew he was a big unit, but what surprised me in the first Origin camp is how mobile he is. He’s quick across the ground and a player of huge potential.
Joey’s tip: Titans by 8
First try-scorer: Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Man of the match: Jayden Campbell
Watch State of Origin exclusively live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
