Latrell reveals NSW’s missing ingredient that handed Maroons an edge
Updated . First published
Queensland are the favourites to retain the State of Origin shield in Wednesday’s decider, but Phil Gould believes NSW can upset their interstate rivals if they adopt a new outlook.
Gould conceded it had been a difficult series for NSW so far, having been fortunate to claim victory after the send-off of Kalyn Ponga in game one before being torn apart in a 44-22 game two loss on neutral territory.
The Blues were spotted training in Kingscliff earlier this week. Getty Images
Based on performances alone, Gould is clear that Queensland have deserved to win the series. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will, with the Blues going into the decider with an opportunity to turn things around.
Pressure was identified as the biggest factor that could rattle Billy Slater’s men when they enter their home series-deciding match as $1.55 favourites as per SportsBet’s odds at the time of publication.
Former Queensland captain Cameron Smith is confident that the weight of expectations for the Maroons won’t bog the team down.
But after hearing Smith’s confidence, Gould directed a reminder to NSW that those in the stands at Suncorp Stadium do not have as much influence over the game - or their opponents as mythology leads us to believe.
And while that noise will be deafening on enemy territory, Gould said Laurie Daley’s men should be reminded that pressure does cause some to snap on the biggest stages.
“Unless (the fans) jump the fence, they can’t influence the result,” Gould said.
“Those 13 Maroons jerseys in front of them is all that matters. They are the ones you have to handle and we can handle them. You’ve just got to do it differently.”
He continued: “Queensland have clearly been the better team in the first two games, there is no comparison. But NSW find themselves in game three still with a chance to win the series.
“I don’t think they deserve it, Queensland have clearly been superior - but the pressure is on them. If the game goes the same as it did in game two or if it is the same sort of football, Queensland will win again.
“NSW has to turn this game into something different. That is the challenge for them. I think the Blues can win if they go about it in a different way.”
Latrell Mitchell said that change starts with the collective belief of the team.
Latrell Mitchell has not played for NSW this series. Getty
“I think (what has been missing) is a bit of belief in each other,” he said on 100% Footy.
“(The boys) just need to go in and do what they need to do. You have the likes of Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas around you, all you have to go and do is your job.
“Go up there, have fun because the atmosphere is amazing. Soak it all in and take it on. Who cares about the outside noise?”
The State of Origin series decider will kick off at 8.05pm on Wednesday.
