Very disappointing result. Was always on the cards though, horrible preparation, Green as coach is a spud and the best NSW side in a long time. The atmosphere was fantastic (until about ten minutes into the second half). The pre game stuff in the city was awesome, ran into Thaiday and got a pic with the kids - jeez he looks fit. Way fitter than his last year at the Broncos.
A few things that stood out. DCE had a clear run to the line in the first half, but he has seemingly lost any confidence in challenging the line, just shuffled the ball every chance he got. He was rattled. I don't think Munster saw the six again in the first half when he kicked it on the first tackle. Blues were reeling a bit there and a well constructed set probably would have ended in a try. As good as NSW were in attack on the edges, when QLD spread the ball within the 20m zone they looked troubled.
Grant was crafty and challenged the Blues defence but got **** all support and having Brimson come on to play hooker was a Green special. Should have been Hunt. Both Grant and Munster were well underdone and it showed, Munster in particular didn't have any answers and he and DCE did not click, in fact I spotted them arguing a few times, DCE looked clueless and Munster was pissed off.
Forwards got rolled, only Moe seemed to actually get through the line. No support play, going sideways constantly, DCE kept shuffling it to Felise who was useless and killed just about every attacking set he was involved in. They just got trapped in one out hit ups and boring football, again, a Green special. Which some might say is similar to a Bennett special, but the players actually want to perform for Wayne. Green inspires no one and has no ideas. They played like a bunch of blokes who had never met before, whereas NSW looked like a club side that had been together for years.
NSW should win 3-0, but QLD will be out for blood after that, a few positional changes and the typical NSW arrogance after a big win should combine to give QLD a chance.