2024 State of Origin News

Complacency: A luxury the Blues can’t afford

An emphatic series-opening victory is sure to be quickly forgotten for Blues coach Brad Fittler, with sights firmly set on Suncorp Stadium.

Published by
Xavier Pegum

It's fair to say Blues fans woke the morning after Origin I with cheeky grin and a sore head. However, Blues head coach Brad Fittler assured NSW fans that the job is far from over.

While Blues supporters enjoyed a 50-6 win over Queensland, Fittler moved on and is keen to end his Suncorp curse. Since taking over the role of head coach in 2018 Freddy is yet to win a game at Suncorp.

"I'm quite aware winning a game by 50 here in the first game doesn't mean anything, Fittler said following the series opener.

"We've had a convincing win every year. We're well aware that nothing's been achieved as yet."

Fittler also gave a lot of credit to his star stacked back line. The centre pairing of Tom 'Turbo' Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell had stand out performances and will be the back bone of the squad if they're to take the shield home.

"They (the back five) were awesome," he said.

"Obviously we broke down their middle a lot because their middle had to contain Teddy, all our forwards plus Tommy and Latrell. They were all coming through. They did a really good job. Brian To'o, first game, seriously. He was outstanding."

However, it's not just Fittler who understands Queensland's ability to bounce back. NSW skipper James Tedesco was quick to comment on the Maroons' comeback for game 2.

"They're going to be hurting, it will be a different team game two," Tedesco said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: James Tedesco of the Blues charges forward during game two of the 2020 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on November 11, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"Last year we lost game one and came out firing game two so I'm sure it will be similar. It's going to be at Suncorp as well which is always a tough task.

"It's going to be a challenge, I know it was a convincing win but as Freddie said we have to win two more."

While NSW have such depth in their squad, the Queensland spirit is something that shouldn't be overlooked.

At their spiritual home with lessons to learn from, the Maroons will be firing from all cylinders and the last thing NSW can do is allow arrogance and complacency get the better of them.

Favouritism in the Blues has sky-rocketed since the Townsville dominance, with NSW able to welcome the return of forward Angus Crichton, while the Maroons continue to battle injury setbacks to their squad.

Published by
Xavier Pegum