Control, patience and discipline: NSW heed past lessons

Jake Trbojevic, being tackled in game two, says the Blues will focus on controlling possession. (Scott Barbour/AAP PHOTOS)

NSW insist they have learned their lessons from past failings at Suncorp Stadium, as they attempt to steal the State of Origin shield on Queensland's home ground.

The Blues enter Wednesday night's decider in remarkably familiar fashion, with the core group of the team building for their third Brisbane decider in five years.

In both 2020 and 2022, NSW entered Origin III with the clear ascendancy, having claimed blowout wins in game two to level the series.

On both occasions the Blues were beaten in the decider, with Brad Fittler's men conceding the first try and playing from behind late in the match.

This time NSW are adamant they know how to do things differently under new coach Michael Maguire.

Chief among the lessons from years gone by is more patience, with NSW captain Jake Trbojevic putting an emphasis on controlling possession.

"(We've learned) that when you're under pressure ... it takes periods of play to get out of it," Trbojevic said. 

"I felt like in 2022 we just tried to go for the miracle. We were throwing long balls, (doing) stupid stuff, whereas it takes periods of play. 

"With our kicking game ... if we take five-minute periods of play to really focus on field position, that can get us out of trouble. It's not going to be one big play."

There are other similarities between the Blues' losses in 2020 and 2022 that are out of NSW's control.

James Tedesco's 2020 concussion left the Blues' backline all at sea, then Cameron Murray was knocked out in 2022.

NSW do have more versatility on their bench this year, with Connor Watson able to play any role, and the addition of Mitch Barnett giving them cover in the front and back row.

The other key is discipline.

Billy Slater stressed that about his Queensland side on Tuesday, given the Maroons were behind 6-0 in the penalty count when they trailed 34-0 at halftime in Origin II.

But the numbers at Suncorp Stadium make for grim reading for the Blues, who have won the penalty count in just nine of 60 Origin matches played in Brisbane.

"You have to be very clean, but you have to be very aggressive," Danny Buderus, NSW assistant coach in both 2020 and 2022, told AAP.  

Former NSW assistant coach Danny Buderus.
Former NSW assistant coach Danny Buderus says a balance between control and aggression is crucial.

"You need to make sure there are no ill-discipline areas, or you get pulled up for certain things.

"Looking back, a lot of times we gave away possession easy, or they got it easily, or they got a couple of calls on the back of (poor) discipline. 

"And all of a sudden not only do you find yourself in an atmosphere that is hostile, but you're creating a lot of drama for yourself."

Queensland also have the potential to be a different team to the one they were in 2020 and 2022.

While NSW are likely to rely on a power game through the middle, Queensland's strike force is out wide as they hunt a third straight series win.

The Maroons are likely to spend periods with Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga both on the field, while Ben Hunt can act as another ball-playing threat.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store