I’ve watched and listened to the commentary in the past couple of weeks about Brad Fittler and I don’t think any NSW coach, even during Queensland’s run of eight straight series wins, has copped it as bad. I think the pile-on has been extreme.
The Blues haven’t got the results in the past two years. You can’t argue that. But sometimes you just have to tip your hat to Queensland, and they’ve been exceptional under Billy Slater, especially this year.
When you look at their spine for the first two games in 2023 – Reece Walsh at fullback, Cameron Munster displaying Wally Lewis-like tendencies, Daly Cherry-Evans in the best form of his career, and then Harry Grant and Ben Hunt working in tandem – it’s a formidable line-up.
One thing I do know is that Freddy has prepared his teams as best as he possibly could in the six years he’s been in charge of the Blues. He’s made changes when he feels appropriate and there’s no way this NSW team won’t give its all for game three, not just for the state but for the coach.
There’s no such thing as a dead rubber in State of Origin. For the Blues, they’ve just got to do whatever it takes.
I’m glad to see Cody Walker back in the team. In an era of structured play, there’s no better athlete to watch in the NRL. I’ve said it before, but he’s the closest I’ve seen to Cliff Lyons. For a ball player, I can’t give a bigger compliment.
Brad Fittler is under pressure.Credit: Getty
I’m really excited for debutants Bradman Best and Keaon Koloamatangi – as well as their families. I’ve noticed Cody makes sure he sits next to Bradman in team meetings and video sessions to ensure they’re on the same page. That’s a real positive for NSW.
I remember playing an under-19s game for NSW alongside Bradman’s dad Roger. It’s such a great honour for Bradman to now pull on the sky blue jersey, and his name has been part of conversations throughout this series, even before game one. It’s his time to shine.
I always found game three a difficult one, if the series was on the line or not. You’ve already been through two emotionally draining matches and if you haven’t been rested by your club, the niggles start to take hold. It can be tough to get yourself up.
NSW might have only two or three sessions on the field this week, but that won’t be an excuse. This is an important Origin game. They all are.
Heart of the matter at Tigers
You can cop it when a team beats you with skill or speed, or they’re just a better team, but it crushes you when a side beats you on effort. That’s why the Wests Tigers’ performance last week was so horrible.
I don’t think Tigers fans will care if their team doesn’t beat the Sharks on Thursday night, they’ll just want to see some heart. There’s one simple way to turn it around: tackle your way out of the problem. If they do that, then they can start winning back the respect of their fans.
I watched them against the Cowboys and they were jogging to the threats. They weren’t sprinting, but jogging. What happens then is you get there late, your feet aren’t in position and you miss tackles. Never walk, keep moving your legs. That will have to be the message from Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall this week.
The Sharks have to be careful with this game. It’s human nature to take on board how poor the Tigers were last week. You walk down the street and people want to remind you of it. They’ve got to handle that side of it as best they can.
The Wests Tigers were embarrassed against the North Queensland Cowboys.Credit: Getty
There are three players who epitomise what I see at the Sharks: Dale Finucane, Cameron McInnes and Jack Williams. They are all heart. Every time you turn up, you know what you’re going to get from them. It’s infectious and rubs off on their teammates.
I get the feeling Ronaldo Mulitalo will have a field day on the left wing against the Tigers. The Sharks prefer that side of the field with Siosifa Talakai and Mulitalo, and I expect the winger to cross the line multiple times.
It’s great to see Toby Rudolf back for Cronulla. He’s mad – and I mean that in a good way. He’s going to add so much to their pack, which is without Finucane, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Royce Hunt through suspension and injury.
In a season to forget, I think Jahream Bula has been a shining light for the Tigers. I’m looking forward to his match-up with Will Kennedy. I think we’ll see an improved effort from the Tigers, but the last 20 minutes really worries me.
Joey’s tip: Sharks by 24
First try-scorer: Ronaldo Mulitalo
Man of the match: Will Kennedy
Mountain men still at peak
Penrith’s win last week against the Storm was the best by any team this year. Considering they had no Nathan Cleary, it has to be one of the great victories of the past few seasons after they fought back from 14-0 down in the first half.
Izack Tago proved he is a representative player in the making with his powerhouse display. There has been talk his best position will be in the back row, where he spent a lot of time in the juniors. His collision last week with Will Warbrick was frightening.
It was a relentless effort from the Panthers, and they were so tough. They know their style, their DNA, the standards they train to and they know their defensive patterns. Considering the players they’ve lost the past three or four years, they haven’t missed a beat.
Most of those players coming through into the NRL team are local juniors. I don’t care what anyone says, if you grow up in the area and play for the club you follow, it means more.
I think there’s a reason no team has done a three-peat since the Eels in the 1980s. It’s so hard in the salary cap era. If they can manage it this year, I don’t reckon we’ll see it again in my lifetime.
Andrew Johns is a coaching adviser to Brad Fittler for the NSW Blues side.
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.
