For the second consecutive year under Laurie Daley, NSW has squandered a 1-0 State of Origin series lead. Queensland dominated the Blues with a 44-24 victory in Game II on Wednesday night, sending the series to a July 8 decider at Suncorp Stadium—a venue where NSW has won just one decider in the past 20 years.
The defeat places immense pressure on Daley, who has never won a decider and has secured just one series victory across six full attempts.
Despite a strong start from rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase, who helped guide NSW to a 12-8 halftime lead, the Blues fell apart in the second half as several tactical decisions backfired. On the field, Dylan Lucas missed a crucial tackle that led directly to a Queensland try, while Mitchell Moses missed eight tackles before being benched late in his return from a hamstring injury. Off the field, Daley dithered on the sidelines, leaving hooker Api Koroisau stranded on the bench as he delayed utilizing his final interchange.
The pre-game narrative had focused heavily on protecting Daley’s legacy, with NSW great Brad Fittler issuing a passionate pre-kickoff rallying cry.
“The coach was our best player ever and they can’t walk away from that,” Fittler said. “The players need to stand up for 80 minutes tonight. They need to be all heart – just like their coach.”
Instead, the Blues collapsed after the break. Daley now faces a must-win situation in Game III, where another loss would leave his coaching record at a dismal six series defeats from seven attempts.
Source: Australian Associated Press
