State Of Origin - Game 3
- Thread starter Junior11
- Start date
Aidos
Andrew 'Joey' Johns
Afro Zac
Todd Bates
Great news about Josh Reynolds! Luke Lewis can easily cover hooker IMO
A question for thought but... If we smash QLD by say atleast +30 points, do we pick the same teams as game three with or without Gallen? Just thought i'd ask the question, as well have 4 props this time, with some sort of x factor and what not. It probably wont happen, but lets just say it did
A question for thought but... If we smash QLD by say atleast +30 points, do we pick the same teams as game three with or without Gallen? Just thought i'd ask the question, as well have 4 props this time, with some sort of x factor and what not. It probably wont happen, but lets just say it did
cowboyman
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
We are ****ed without Gallen. Finally look like we are going to knock them off this year then some braindead actions by a couple players coupled in with injuries to key players look to have put a hold on us breaking the streak. Pray to god I'm wrong just can't see it now.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Blue collar...and loving it
Andrew Fifita is in storming form. Source: Getty Images
NSW Origin prop Andrew Fifita has played more games this year than any other NRL player - and he knows it.
"Am I feeling a little fatigued? Yeah," the 114kg enforcer tells The Daily Telegraph.
"I've had a lot of footy this year. Haven't missed a game since the All Stars and it is starting taking a toll.
"I've never had to play so much consecutive footy before, especially at such a high level. But, funnily enough, it's also becoming an Origin player that's helped me to deal with the extra toll it brings."
Boasting just one Test appearance with Tonga before the start of this season, Fifita will officially play game 20 on Wednesday night in the blockbuster Origin decider at ANZ Stadium.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/blue-collarand-loving-it/story-fni3fqyo-1226677863805
- - - Updated - - -
Blues lost without Gallen, says Moore
NSW captain Paul Gallen will miss State of Origin III through injury. Picture: Brett Costello Source:The Daily Telegraph
THE Blues' Origin hopes are practically extinct without the services of inspirational skipper Paul Gallen, Maroons legend Billy Moore says.
History shows NSW fans should be drowning their sorrows already after Gallen was forced to withdraw from Wednesday's decider.
In this series alone, Gallen has made 312m. His prop replacement Aaron Woods has made 36m in his entire Origin career.Gallen has missed five Origins since his 2006 debut and the Blues have only won one of them. They have not won a match without him since Origin III, 2009.
When Gallen succumbed to an on-going foot injury yesterday, bookmaker TattsBet wound the Blues price out to $2.55, despite the game being played at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.
"If it is not a fatal blow for the Blues then it must be pretty close," said Moore, who played 17 games for the Maroons."They have lost their Pied Piper.
The Blues will automatically be down on confidence to start the game and if they give up an early lead, they won't come back."Gallen, he may be an enemy of Queensland, but you have to admit he has delivered for them."
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...allen-says-moore/story-fni3fqyo-1226678731259
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NSW coach Laurie Daley says whole squad feels captain Paul Gallen's pain over missing Origin decider
Paul Gallen stands outside the team circle at NSW training. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
IF any of my Blues players needed a reminder of just how big this game is on Wednesday night, they got it yesterday when I called the players together after training because Paul Gallen wanted to speak to them.
You could hear the emotion in our skipper's voice as Gal told them he wouldn't be leading them on to ANZ Stadium.Gal was devastated, and we were all shattered for him.It's hard to describe what the feeling within the group was like at that moment.Here is a bloke who has trained his entire life to get himself into this position, where he was the captain of NSW going into the biggest game in State of Origin history.To have it taken away from him like this just doesn't seem fair on anyone.
When Gal called me yesterday morning at about 8am you could hear the concern in his voice even then.We'd initially said Sunday was going to be D-Day for a final decision on his fitness but unfortunately the foot injury just wasn't improving at the rate we'd hoped.
I'll admit our doctor Nathan Gibbs was probably more worried than I was because I had this gut-feeling that Gal was going to be OK.I don't know why, all week, I just thought he'd be right.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...g-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226678712586
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NSW captain Paul Gallen sheds tears as he breaks news to teammates he will miss State of Origin decider
PAUL Gallen shed tears while explaining why he had to withdraw from next Wednesday night's State of Origin decider, but his teammates nevertheless want him to hold the shield aloft should the Blues prevail.
Tigers prop Aaron Woods returns to the NSW side in place of Gallen and Sydney Roosters young gun Boyd Cordner was yesterday named to make his debut as a domino effect of the Blues' injury misfortune.
Despite Robbie Farah being named as replacement skipper, Blues forwards Luke Lewis and James Tamou said the honour of accepting NSW's first series victory in eight years should remain with Gallen.
"As much as it's hurting him not being part of this team, he still is this team," Tamou told The Daily Telegraph. "It's only right for him to be the one in the middle, holding the shield up."The only player to have experienced a series victory, Lewis agreed wholeheartedly.
"It's a grand final, especially for Gal and a few of the boys," the back-rower said. "It's a very rare occasion and there's been a few times where captains have missed grand finals.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226678726278
- NICK WALSHAW
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 12, 2013 12:00AM
Andrew Fifita is in storming form. Source: Getty Images
NSW Origin prop Andrew Fifita has played more games this year than any other NRL player - and he knows it.
"Am I feeling a little fatigued? Yeah," the 114kg enforcer tells The Daily Telegraph.
"I've had a lot of footy this year. Haven't missed a game since the All Stars and it is starting taking a toll.
"I've never had to play so much consecutive footy before, especially at such a high level. But, funnily enough, it's also becoming an Origin player that's helped me to deal with the extra toll it brings."
Boasting just one Test appearance with Tonga before the start of this season, Fifita will officially play game 20 on Wednesday night in the blockbuster Origin decider at ANZ Stadium.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/blue-collarand-loving-it/story-fni3fqyo-1226677863805
- - - Updated - - -
Blues lost without Gallen, says Moore
- CHRIS GARRY AND JOSH MASSOUD
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JULY 13, 2013 12:00AM
NSW captain Paul Gallen will miss State of Origin III through injury. Picture: Brett Costello Source:The Daily Telegraph
THE Blues' Origin hopes are practically extinct without the services of inspirational skipper Paul Gallen, Maroons legend Billy Moore says.
History shows NSW fans should be drowning their sorrows already after Gallen was forced to withdraw from Wednesday's decider.
In this series alone, Gallen has made 312m. His prop replacement Aaron Woods has made 36m in his entire Origin career.Gallen has missed five Origins since his 2006 debut and the Blues have only won one of them. They have not won a match without him since Origin III, 2009.
When Gallen succumbed to an on-going foot injury yesterday, bookmaker TattsBet wound the Blues price out to $2.55, despite the game being played at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.
"If it is not a fatal blow for the Blues then it must be pretty close," said Moore, who played 17 games for the Maroons."They have lost their Pied Piper.
The Blues will automatically be down on confidence to start the game and if they give up an early lead, they won't come back."Gallen, he may be an enemy of Queensland, but you have to admit he has delivered for them."
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...allen-says-moore/story-fni3fqyo-1226678731259
- - - Updated - - -
NSW coach Laurie Daley says whole squad feels captain Paul Gallen's pain over missing Origin decider
- LAURIE DALEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 13, 2013 12:00AM
Paul Gallen stands outside the team circle at NSW training. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
IF any of my Blues players needed a reminder of just how big this game is on Wednesday night, they got it yesterday when I called the players together after training because Paul Gallen wanted to speak to them.
You could hear the emotion in our skipper's voice as Gal told them he wouldn't be leading them on to ANZ Stadium.Gal was devastated, and we were all shattered for him.It's hard to describe what the feeling within the group was like at that moment.Here is a bloke who has trained his entire life to get himself into this position, where he was the captain of NSW going into the biggest game in State of Origin history.To have it taken away from him like this just doesn't seem fair on anyone.
When Gal called me yesterday morning at about 8am you could hear the concern in his voice even then.We'd initially said Sunday was going to be D-Day for a final decision on his fitness but unfortunately the foot injury just wasn't improving at the rate we'd hoped.
I'll admit our doctor Nathan Gibbs was probably more worried than I was because I had this gut-feeling that Gal was going to be OK.I don't know why, all week, I just thought he'd be right.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...g-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226678712586
- - - Updated - - -
NSW captain Paul Gallen sheds tears as he breaks news to teammates he will miss State of Origin decider
- JOSH MASSOUD
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 13, 2013 12:00AM
PAUL Gallen shed tears while explaining why he had to withdraw from next Wednesday night's State of Origin decider, but his teammates nevertheless want him to hold the shield aloft should the Blues prevail.
Tigers prop Aaron Woods returns to the NSW side in place of Gallen and Sydney Roosters young gun Boyd Cordner was yesterday named to make his debut as a domino effect of the Blues' injury misfortune.
Despite Robbie Farah being named as replacement skipper, Blues forwards Luke Lewis and James Tamou said the honour of accepting NSW's first series victory in eight years should remain with Gallen.
"As much as it's hurting him not being part of this team, he still is this team," Tamou told The Daily Telegraph. "It's only right for him to be the one in the middle, holding the shield up."The only player to have experienced a series victory, Lewis agreed wholeheartedly.
"It's a grand final, especially for Gal and a few of the boys," the back-rower said. "It's a very rare occasion and there's been a few times where captains have missed grand finals.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226678726278
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Robbie Farah says captaining NSW in State of Origin III a great honour
Robbie Farah will captain NSW for State of Origin III. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
ROBBIE Farah will complete one of State of Origin's greatest comeback stories when he leads the Blues on to ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Farah was dumped from the NSW team after the 2009 series loss and for two long years it looked like he wouldn't get another chance to play Origin football before last year's inspirational return.
Farah says leading the Blues out will be the biggest honour of his rugby league life - but the stand-in skipper wants it known Paul Gallen is still the team's spiritual leader.
When Farah spoke to The Daily Telegraph this week about the possibility of taking over as captain before Gallen was yesterday ruled out with a foot injury, Farah admitted this would be like nothing else he has done in his life."It is a great honour just to pull on the jersey but if I was to be given the opportunity to captain the side, it would be an honour you couldn't compare to anything I have ever had," Farah said.
"But it is only as an acting captain, a stand-in. Gal is our captain here and that won't change. I would be just standing in on the night."
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...i-a-great-honour/story-fni3fqyo-1226678755471
- - - Updated - - -
NSW coach Laurie Daley says Boyd Cordner call-up for State of Origin III about providing more size
Roosters star Boyd Cordner adds size to the NSW lineup. Source: Getty Images
BLUES coach Laurie Daley says Boyd Cordner's shock call-up was directly related to Paul Gallen's withdrawal and the injury cloud still hanging over Greg Bird.
Daley made the tough decision last night to cut Josh Reynolds from the NSW squad after a day of high drama for the Blues.Reynolds will be available to play for the Bulldogs against the Storm tomorrow at ANZ Stadium after Cordner took his place on the NSW bench.
Gallen was yesterday forced to pull out of the game with a foot injury while Bird has an ankle injury and a final decision on his fitness won't be made until tomorrow.
"With Gal not being right and Birdy still not 100 per cent we just felt that we needed a bit more size to cover for our forwards," Daley said.
"Unfortunately Josh had to make way.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...viding-more-size/story-fni3fqyo-1226678755786
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 13, 2013 12:00AM
Robbie Farah will captain NSW for State of Origin III. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
ROBBIE Farah will complete one of State of Origin's greatest comeback stories when he leads the Blues on to ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Farah was dumped from the NSW team after the 2009 series loss and for two long years it looked like he wouldn't get another chance to play Origin football before last year's inspirational return.
Farah says leading the Blues out will be the biggest honour of his rugby league life - but the stand-in skipper wants it known Paul Gallen is still the team's spiritual leader.
When Farah spoke to The Daily Telegraph this week about the possibility of taking over as captain before Gallen was yesterday ruled out with a foot injury, Farah admitted this would be like nothing else he has done in his life."It is a great honour just to pull on the jersey but if I was to be given the opportunity to captain the side, it would be an honour you couldn't compare to anything I have ever had," Farah said.
"But it is only as an acting captain, a stand-in. Gal is our captain here and that won't change. I would be just standing in on the night."
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...i-a-great-honour/story-fni3fqyo-1226678755471
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NSW coach Laurie Daley says Boyd Cordner call-up for State of Origin III about providing more size
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 13, 2013 12:00AM
Roosters star Boyd Cordner adds size to the NSW lineup. Source: Getty Images
BLUES coach Laurie Daley says Boyd Cordner's shock call-up was directly related to Paul Gallen's withdrawal and the injury cloud still hanging over Greg Bird.
Daley made the tough decision last night to cut Josh Reynolds from the NSW squad after a day of high drama for the Blues.Reynolds will be available to play for the Bulldogs against the Storm tomorrow at ANZ Stadium after Cordner took his place on the NSW bench.
Gallen was yesterday forced to pull out of the game with a foot injury while Bird has an ankle injury and a final decision on his fitness won't be made until tomorrow.
"With Gal not being right and Birdy still not 100 per cent we just felt that we needed a bit more size to cover for our forwards," Daley said.
"Unfortunately Josh had to make way.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...viding-more-size/story-fni3fqyo-1226678755786
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I know the line-up has been decided with Cordner in for Reynolds and this has pretty much no relevance but I have been super impressed with Todd Carney over the last month...
As I posted before Todd Carney did this last week against the Tigers....
357 Kick Metres
6/6 Conversions
1 40/20 Kick
1 Linebreak Assist
4 Try Assists
12 Points
Last Night against the Broncos he backed that up with this...
7 Runs
110m
16 Kicks
421 Kick Metres
2 Line Breaks
6 Tackle Busts
3 Try Assists
1 Line Break Assist
3/3 Conversions
1 Field Goal
7 Points
Man of the Match
As I posted before Todd Carney did this last week against the Tigers....
357 Kick Metres
6/6 Conversions
1 40/20 Kick
1 Linebreak Assist
4 Try Assists
12 Points
Last Night against the Broncos he backed that up with this...
7 Runs
110m
16 Kicks
421 Kick Metres
2 Line Breaks
6 Tackle Busts
3 Try Assists
1 Line Break Assist
3/3 Conversions
1 Field Goal
7 Points
Man of the Match
Last edited:
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Ricky Stuart and Laurie Daley talk State of Origin III
Former NSW Blues coach Ricky Stuart meets up with current coach Laurie Daley. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph
RICKY Stuart and Laurie Daley chat about the challenges and magic of Origin.
RS: G'DAY coach, how's life?
LD: It's not too bad. Obviously I'm enjoying it. The players have been terrific, very supportive. They realise it's a big game and they're looking forward to it.
RS: You looked like a real coach when I saw you after game two at the airport in Brisbane. You looked tired, dishevelled and worried.
LD: I was disappointed with our performance and disappointed with a couple of aspects of the game. I was disappointed for a couple of days, but then I had to realise I had to move on and that's what I've done.
RS: What was going through your mind after game two?
LD: We just weren't good enough. We didn't perform to what our expectations were. So we're just trying to better our performance and make sure we come ready to play on Wednesday night.
RS: There were things we did well in game two, but there were a lot of things we didn't do well and that's what gives me confidence. We did it in game one and I know we can do it again.
LD: What we learned is we need to get out of the blocks a lot better than we did. We've got to get a bit of possession and make sure we have a real purpose about everything we do.
RS: The most important part of the game will be the start. How do you get that right?
LD: We've just got to be ready to start with plenty of enthusiasm and plenty of aggression and make sure we control the ball by being disciplined.
RS: One of Queensland's great strengths is their bounce back, and we haven't handled that both times in the past two years and they've got away from us. That would have to be a big motivator for players?
LD: We know they're a champion team and they'll be highly motivated for this, but, for us, that's the challenge. Our challenge has always been about improving our own performance and to play to our expectations so we can deliver a really strong performance.
RS: What have you learned about Origin from a coach's point of view that you didn't know as a player?
LD: You think a lot more about every individual and how they're going and sometimes try to read into how they're feeling and what their emotions are. As a player, you concentrated on your own performance. That's something that has taken a while to adjust to.
Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...te-of-origin-iii/story-fni3fqyo-1226678967948
- - - Updated - - -
'Robbie Farah was born to captain NSW,' says Ben Elias
ROBBIE Farah's mobile phone lit up like a Christmas tree.
When word filtered out on Friday, everyone wanted a piece of the newly-appointed NSW Origin captain.
"Let's turn history on its head," wrote NSW Origin legend and the last Tiger to captain the Blues, Benny Elias.
"Congratulations on a tremendous honour. Best of luck," said Tigers Team of the Century member and Australian great Keith "Golden Boots" Barnes, who is 78.
They came from everywhere. From Farah's junior clubs, the Enfield Federals and Leichhardt Wanderers, to ex-coaches and players alike. The magic of the new Blues captain had people reaching out from all across NSW.
"I've had messages from everyone over the last 24 hours congratulating me. From people I was involved with in my junior rugby league all the way through my career," Farah said. "It means as much to them as it does to me.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...w-says-ben-elias/story-fni3fqyo-1226678980428
- - - Updated - - -
Destiny's child Mitchell Pearce has his moment to rise
NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
MITCHELL Pearce was the chosen one.
At 19, the pimply-faced halfback was parachuted in to save NSW in a series decider in 2008 at ANZ Stadium."I was too young, I was like a deer in headlights. I didn't understand the concept really," Pearce said.
Five years later, after playing 880 minutes of Origin football, with four try assists, one try and a record 11 appearances at halfback for NSW, the 24-year-old is in no doubt he is finally ready.
"This game is so important for me because I think there are times in your life where it's at a crossroads and it's just got to happen," Pearce said."As much as people are writing us off, we know what we need to do to win the game.
"It's not like you can't wait to win to stick it up everyone, I couldn't care less to be honest."It would actually be great to see everyone finally happy. I'm confident I can do the job."
Pearce believes his career will be defined by the result on Wednesday night.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-moment-to-rise/story-fni3fqyo-1226678990722
- - - Updated - - -
Paul Gallen: The boys will make me proud
I WANTED to play on one leg. I wanted to play with the pain. Strap the thing, do whatever was required to get out there.
But I was never going to be 100 per cent fit for Wednesday night's decider and Origin is so much bigger than one player.It was the doctor's call to rule me out.
He watched me jog on Friday morning at Coogee Oval and the pain in my foot was such that it stung me with every step.I'd done everything to fix the tear in the arch of my foot. An ice machine was virtually strapped to my foot 24/7 while the moon boot was worn everywhere but the shower.
There were days when the foot felt great, other days not so good.Scans taken last Thursday showed the scarring around the tear was healing well, but in the words of the doc, it was a six-week injury.
I doubt I've felt so shattered before. The realisation that I won't lead NSW cut me to pieces.I know injuries are part of footy, but the timing of this one couldn't be more cruel.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ll-make-me-proud/story-fni3fh9n-1226678947762
- - - Updated - - -
What's the Buzz: Proud origins of baby NSW Blues
The NSW Blues boys as you've never seen them. Source: The Sunday Telegraph
LIKE all the starry eyed youngsters running around parks across the state Saturday morning, our Origin heroes had humble beginnings as well.
Check out these wonderful photos of our Blues superstars long before they became household names.The aggro look on Greg Bird's face as a West Maitland junior is almost identical to the game face you will see on Wednesday night when he tackles Queensland.
Bird went on to make the grade at the Newcastle Knights before switching to the Cronulla Sharks and then the Titans.
Michael Jennings was a product of Penrith's junior league, showing talent from a very young age at St Marys and Mount Druitt.
Luke Lewis also came from out west at Blacktown City.
Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds was a winner from the beginning - he's pictured here with the under-8s trophy from St George Dragons' premiership-winning team in the Canterbury juniors.
Hopefully, he'll be celebrating again come full-time on Wednesday night.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-baby-nsw-blues/story-fni3fbgz-1226678997806
- RICKY STUART
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 14, 2013 12:00AM
Former NSW Blues coach Ricky Stuart meets up with current coach Laurie Daley. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph
RS: G'DAY coach, how's life?
LD: It's not too bad. Obviously I'm enjoying it. The players have been terrific, very supportive. They realise it's a big game and they're looking forward to it.
RS: You looked like a real coach when I saw you after game two at the airport in Brisbane. You looked tired, dishevelled and worried.
LD: I was disappointed with our performance and disappointed with a couple of aspects of the game. I was disappointed for a couple of days, but then I had to realise I had to move on and that's what I've done.
RS: What was going through your mind after game two?
LD: We just weren't good enough. We didn't perform to what our expectations were. So we're just trying to better our performance and make sure we come ready to play on Wednesday night.
RS: There were things we did well in game two, but there were a lot of things we didn't do well and that's what gives me confidence. We did it in game one and I know we can do it again.
LD: What we learned is we need to get out of the blocks a lot better than we did. We've got to get a bit of possession and make sure we have a real purpose about everything we do.
RS: The most important part of the game will be the start. How do you get that right?
LD: We've just got to be ready to start with plenty of enthusiasm and plenty of aggression and make sure we control the ball by being disciplined.
RS: One of Queensland's great strengths is their bounce back, and we haven't handled that both times in the past two years and they've got away from us. That would have to be a big motivator for players?
LD: We know they're a champion team and they'll be highly motivated for this, but, for us, that's the challenge. Our challenge has always been about improving our own performance and to play to our expectations so we can deliver a really strong performance.
RS: What have you learned about Origin from a coach's point of view that you didn't know as a player?
LD: You think a lot more about every individual and how they're going and sometimes try to read into how they're feeling and what their emotions are. As a player, you concentrated on your own performance. That's something that has taken a while to adjust to.
Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...te-of-origin-iii/story-fni3fqyo-1226678967948
- - - Updated - - -
'Robbie Farah was born to captain NSW,' says Ben Elias
- JAMES HOOPER
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 14, 2013 12:00AM
ROBBIE Farah's mobile phone lit up like a Christmas tree.
When word filtered out on Friday, everyone wanted a piece of the newly-appointed NSW Origin captain.
"Let's turn history on its head," wrote NSW Origin legend and the last Tiger to captain the Blues, Benny Elias.
"Congratulations on a tremendous honour. Best of luck," said Tigers Team of the Century member and Australian great Keith "Golden Boots" Barnes, who is 78.
They came from everywhere. From Farah's junior clubs, the Enfield Federals and Leichhardt Wanderers, to ex-coaches and players alike. The magic of the new Blues captain had people reaching out from all across NSW.
"I've had messages from everyone over the last 24 hours congratulating me. From people I was involved with in my junior rugby league all the way through my career," Farah said. "It means as much to them as it does to me.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...w-says-ben-elias/story-fni3fqyo-1226678980428
- - - Updated - - -
Destiny's child Mitchell Pearce has his moment to rise
- DAVID RICCIO
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 14, 2013 12:00AM
NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
MITCHELL Pearce was the chosen one.
At 19, the pimply-faced halfback was parachuted in to save NSW in a series decider in 2008 at ANZ Stadium."I was too young, I was like a deer in headlights. I didn't understand the concept really," Pearce said.
Five years later, after playing 880 minutes of Origin football, with four try assists, one try and a record 11 appearances at halfback for NSW, the 24-year-old is in no doubt he is finally ready.
"This game is so important for me because I think there are times in your life where it's at a crossroads and it's just got to happen," Pearce said."As much as people are writing us off, we know what we need to do to win the game.
"It's not like you can't wait to win to stick it up everyone, I couldn't care less to be honest."It would actually be great to see everyone finally happy. I'm confident I can do the job."
Pearce believes his career will be defined by the result on Wednesday night.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-moment-to-rise/story-fni3fqyo-1226678990722
- - - Updated - - -
Paul Gallen: The boys will make me proud
- PAUL GALLEN
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 14, 2013 12:00AM
I WANTED to play on one leg. I wanted to play with the pain. Strap the thing, do whatever was required to get out there.
But I was never going to be 100 per cent fit for Wednesday night's decider and Origin is so much bigger than one player.It was the doctor's call to rule me out.
He watched me jog on Friday morning at Coogee Oval and the pain in my foot was such that it stung me with every step.I'd done everything to fix the tear in the arch of my foot. An ice machine was virtually strapped to my foot 24/7 while the moon boot was worn everywhere but the shower.
There were days when the foot felt great, other days not so good.Scans taken last Thursday showed the scarring around the tear was healing well, but in the words of the doc, it was a six-week injury.
I doubt I've felt so shattered before. The realisation that I won't lead NSW cut me to pieces.I know injuries are part of footy, but the timing of this one couldn't be more cruel.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ll-make-me-proud/story-fni3fh9n-1226678947762
- - - Updated - - -
What's the Buzz: Proud origins of baby NSW Blues
- PHIL ROTHFIELD
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 14, 2013 12:00AM
The NSW Blues boys as you've never seen them. Source: The Sunday Telegraph
LIKE all the starry eyed youngsters running around parks across the state Saturday morning, our Origin heroes had humble beginnings as well.
Check out these wonderful photos of our Blues superstars long before they became household names.The aggro look on Greg Bird's face as a West Maitland junior is almost identical to the game face you will see on Wednesday night when he tackles Queensland.
Bird went on to make the grade at the Newcastle Knights before switching to the Cronulla Sharks and then the Titans.
Michael Jennings was a product of Penrith's junior league, showing talent from a very young age at St Marys and Mount Druitt.
Luke Lewis also came from out west at Blacktown City.
Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds was a winner from the beginning - he's pictured here with the under-8s trophy from St George Dragons' premiership-winning team in the Canterbury juniors.
Hopefully, he'll be celebrating again come full-time on Wednesday night.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-baby-nsw-blues/story-fni3fbgz-1226678997806
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Mal Meninga: NRL competition should be suspended for a stand alone three-week Origin period
THE time has come for State of Origin to stand alone.
Looking at the players during the first couple of days in camp with the Queensland team, what struck me most is that we have a lot of physically and mentally fatigued men who have some very big challenges in front of them before this season is over.
Take a look at Cameron Smith.Every game he plays he carries the responsibilities of being the team captain, one of if not the best player, and he plays a key position that is not only important, but tough and physically demanding as well.Cam started this season by travelling to England with the Melbourne Storm for the World Club Challenge.He returned home to fly to Brisbane to play in the All Stars match.He then has his NRL matches, a Test match against New Zealand, and now an Origin series to contend with including this week's series decider in Sydney.
If he briefly peeps a little further over the horizon, he will see he still has the rest of the NRL season to finish, then the finals, and then he will go back to England with the Australian team for the World Cup.His stamina amazes me, but the load the game is placing on him and our other elite players is just not sustainable.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ek-origin-period/story-fni3fh9n-1226678987964
- MAL MENINGA
- THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
- JULY 14, 2013 12:00AM
THE time has come for State of Origin to stand alone.
Looking at the players during the first couple of days in camp with the Queensland team, what struck me most is that we have a lot of physically and mentally fatigued men who have some very big challenges in front of them before this season is over.
Take a look at Cameron Smith.Every game he plays he carries the responsibilities of being the team captain, one of if not the best player, and he plays a key position that is not only important, but tough and physically demanding as well.Cam started this season by travelling to England with the Melbourne Storm for the World Club Challenge.He returned home to fly to Brisbane to play in the All Stars match.He then has his NRL matches, a Test match against New Zealand, and now an Origin series to contend with including this week's series decider in Sydney.
If he briefly peeps a little further over the horizon, he will see he still has the rest of the NRL season to finish, then the finals, and then he will go back to England with the Australian team for the World Cup.His stamina amazes me, but the load the game is placing on him and our other elite players is just not sustainable.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ek-origin-period/story-fni3fh9n-1226678987964
Nickwpearce
Banned
After watching an under strength bulldogs team embarrass a storm team without their stars (i don't care about the storm) and earn themselves two easy points and a for and against boost how is that fair to the other teams that play the storm twice in one year at full strength?
Origin needs to be stand alone, its big enough
Origin needs to be stand alone, its big enough
I said exactly the same thing on twitter after the game. That match was just a joke.
Lynchyknight
Darren Albert
So coaches and fans want stand alone origin weekends but most players would like it kept as it is, I would of thought it would be the other way around honestly.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Former NSW star Craig Fitzgibbon says Boyd Cordner will play for Blues for years
Boyd Cordner is set for a long NSW career says former Origin star Craig Fitzgibbon. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
BOYD Cordner's State of Origin debut in Wednesday's series decider will be the first of many games for NSW, says former Blues back-rower Craig Fitzgibbon.
As a player and now assistant coach at the Roosters, Fitzgibbon has known 21-year-old back-rower Cordner since he was 16.
He recalls being struck by how good he was at such a young age, when Cordner was already training with the first-grade squad."Most people always thought he was going to get there at some stage, it was just a matter of when," Fitzgibbon said. "For it to happen so fast for him is just another sign of his quality."He was earmarked at such at young age as a future rep player and he's done nothing to disprove it."
Cordner gets his chance after being chosen by Blues coach Laurie Daley to replace utility Josh Reynolds on the bench after skipper Paul Gallen was ruled out with a foot injury on Friday.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-blues-for-years/story-fni3fqyo-1226679269774
- - - Updated - - -
NSW will have to overcome a huge list of obstacles to claim victory in State of Origin decider
NSW forward Greg Bird is sent to the sin bin in State of Origin II. Source: Getty Images
NSW must overcome the most tumultuous month in State of Origin's 33-year history to arrest Queensland's seven-series dominance.
The Blues have confronted a staggering list of obstacles before kick-off on Wednesday night. In contrast, NSW coach Laurie Daley said Queensland had had a "dream run".Since Origin I in Sydney, NSW have had players arrested, charged, dropped, caught boozing and withdrawn through injury.
The Maroons, who are famous for whingeing at deafening levels, have enjoyed another stress-free build-up.
The TAB has Queensland as short $1.55 favourites for the ANZ Stadium decider.NSW are $2.50 outsiders, the second-longest price in an Origin match at Homebush.
The longest price was a 2010 dead rubber when NSW paid $3 for the win.One source inside the NSW camp said: "Anything that could have gone wrong since game one has. There has been no shortage of drama.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226679276120
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Sulking Queensland Maroons referee concerns ahead of State of Origin decider
COCKY Queensland arrived in Sydney on Sunday night for the State of Origin decider and the bellyaching started straight away.
While the world's biggest sporting franchise, Manchester United, arrived wide-eyed and ready to enjoy their time in Australia's best city, Mal Meninga's Maroons started sulking as soon as they left Queensland.
The Maroons have stuck out the bottom lip over the possibility that they could lose a penalty count at NSW's home ground, ANZ Stadium.It didn't seem to worry Queensland when they led the penalties 4-0 early in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium - ending NSW's hopes before they started.
Maroons coach Mal Meninga even hired an NRL referee, Matt Cecchin, to officiate at a Queensland training session to prepare his players for Wednesday night's decider.Why whinge rather than focus on a possible eighth series win in a row?
Mal Meninga gives out directions during the Queensland Maroons State of Origin training.
Well, Queensland statistical gurus claim to have uncovered "new evidence" that they have only won four penalty counts in the past 11 State of Origin games.And the Maroons also want it known they have not won a penalty count at ANZ Stadium since Origin II, 2009.
To put this into perspective, the poor old Blues didn't win a penalty count at the old Lang Park for an entire decade in the '80s.
And while we're dealing in facts, how about this: the Blues have won only 50 per cent of the penalty counts on their home ground in the past 10 matches.
Conversely, the Maroons have won or drawn 84 per cent of penalty counts on their own home ground, The Sunday Telegraph revealed on Sunday.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226679277295
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NSW stalwart Greg Bird says Blues will be out to win Origin series for entire state, not just Paul Gallen
NSW forward Greg Bird says the Blues want to win this Origin series for the whole state of NSW. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
BLUES players want to win this year's elusive State of Origin title for their long-suffering NSW fans, not injured skipper Paul Gallen.
Back-rower Greg Bird yesterday spoke about losing Gallen for Wednesday night's decider but rejected suggestions his side would 'do it for 'Gal'.'"I think there's a little but more riding on it than just doing it for Gal," Bird said."Everyone in NSW wants it done for them."Everyone in the team definitely wants to get it done for themselves personally."I don't know whether we'll do it for Gal, but I think we'll probably do it for everybody."I probably won't take it (any extra responsibility) all upon my own shoulders. We'll spread it around.
"The leaders in the team will step-up and takeover. I don't think one person needs to be given that job."The more experienced guys in myself, 'Lewie' (Luke Lewis), 'Choccy' Watmough will pick up the slack in the middle and do a lot more talking."With a lack of Gal at Cronulla, you see his team really share the load and step-up and they have won a fair few games without him."So hopefully, this NSW team can do the same."
I don't think we will fully adjust (without Gallen)."It's always going to be hard losing your captain."Someone that has the workload and inspirational value that Gal has, the boys will pick up the slack and we'll have to do the job without him."
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...just-paul-gallen/story-fni3fqyo-1226679269611
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 14, 2013 8:19PM
Boyd Cordner is set for a long NSW career says former Origin star Craig Fitzgibbon. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
BOYD Cordner's State of Origin debut in Wednesday's series decider will be the first of many games for NSW, says former Blues back-rower Craig Fitzgibbon.
As a player and now assistant coach at the Roosters, Fitzgibbon has known 21-year-old back-rower Cordner since he was 16.
He recalls being struck by how good he was at such a young age, when Cordner was already training with the first-grade squad."Most people always thought he was going to get there at some stage, it was just a matter of when," Fitzgibbon said. "For it to happen so fast for him is just another sign of his quality."He was earmarked at such at young age as a future rep player and he's done nothing to disprove it."
Cordner gets his chance after being chosen by Blues coach Laurie Daley to replace utility Josh Reynolds on the bench after skipper Paul Gallen was ruled out with a foot injury on Friday.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-blues-for-years/story-fni3fqyo-1226679269774
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NSW will have to overcome a huge list of obstacles to claim victory in State of Origin decider
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 15, 2013 12:00AM
NSW forward Greg Bird is sent to the sin bin in State of Origin II. Source: Getty Images
NSW must overcome the most tumultuous month in State of Origin's 33-year history to arrest Queensland's seven-series dominance.
The Blues have confronted a staggering list of obstacles before kick-off on Wednesday night. In contrast, NSW coach Laurie Daley said Queensland had had a "dream run".Since Origin I in Sydney, NSW have had players arrested, charged, dropped, caught boozing and withdrawn through injury.
The Maroons, who are famous for whingeing at deafening levels, have enjoyed another stress-free build-up.
The TAB has Queensland as short $1.55 favourites for the ANZ Stadium decider.NSW are $2.50 outsiders, the second-longest price in an Origin match at Homebush.
The longest price was a 2010 dead rubber when NSW paid $3 for the win.One source inside the NSW camp said: "Anything that could have gone wrong since game one has. There has been no shortage of drama.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226679276120
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Sulking Queensland Maroons referee concerns ahead of State of Origin decider
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 15, 2013 12:00AM
COCKY Queensland arrived in Sydney on Sunday night for the State of Origin decider and the bellyaching started straight away.
While the world's biggest sporting franchise, Manchester United, arrived wide-eyed and ready to enjoy their time in Australia's best city, Mal Meninga's Maroons started sulking as soon as they left Queensland.
The Maroons have stuck out the bottom lip over the possibility that they could lose a penalty count at NSW's home ground, ANZ Stadium.It didn't seem to worry Queensland when they led the penalties 4-0 early in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium - ending NSW's hopes before they started.
Maroons coach Mal Meninga even hired an NRL referee, Matt Cecchin, to officiate at a Queensland training session to prepare his players for Wednesday night's decider.Why whinge rather than focus on a possible eighth series win in a row?
Mal Meninga gives out directions during the Queensland Maroons State of Origin training.
Well, Queensland statistical gurus claim to have uncovered "new evidence" that they have only won four penalty counts in the past 11 State of Origin games.And the Maroons also want it known they have not won a penalty count at ANZ Stadium since Origin II, 2009.
To put this into perspective, the poor old Blues didn't win a penalty count at the old Lang Park for an entire decade in the '80s.
And while we're dealing in facts, how about this: the Blues have won only 50 per cent of the penalty counts on their home ground in the past 10 matches.
Conversely, the Maroons have won or drawn 84 per cent of penalty counts on their own home ground, The Sunday Telegraph revealed on Sunday.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-origin-decider/story-fni3fqyo-1226679277295
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NSW stalwart Greg Bird says Blues will be out to win Origin series for entire state, not just Paul Gallen
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 15, 2013 12:00AM
NSW forward Greg Bird says the Blues want to win this Origin series for the whole state of NSW. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
Back-rower Greg Bird yesterday spoke about losing Gallen for Wednesday night's decider but rejected suggestions his side would 'do it for 'Gal'.'"I think there's a little but more riding on it than just doing it for Gal," Bird said."Everyone in NSW wants it done for them."Everyone in the team definitely wants to get it done for themselves personally."I don't know whether we'll do it for Gal, but I think we'll probably do it for everybody."I probably won't take it (any extra responsibility) all upon my own shoulders. We'll spread it around.
"The leaders in the team will step-up and takeover. I don't think one person needs to be given that job."The more experienced guys in myself, 'Lewie' (Luke Lewis), 'Choccy' Watmough will pick up the slack in the middle and do a lot more talking."With a lack of Gal at Cronulla, you see his team really share the load and step-up and they have won a fair few games without him."So hopefully, this NSW team can do the same."
I don't think we will fully adjust (without Gallen)."It's always going to be hard losing your captain."Someone that has the workload and inspirational value that Gal has, the boys will pick up the slack and we'll have to do the job without him."
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...just-paul-gallen/story-fni3fqyo-1226679269611
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Cameron Smith says New South Wales will be tougher to beat in the Origin decider without Paul Gallen
Cam Smith believes NSW may be even harder to overcome without Paul Gallen. Picture: Sam RuttynSource: The Daily Telegraph
QUEENSLAND Origin captain Cameron Smith has warned his team that the loss of injured NSW counterpart Paul Gallen will make the Blues harder to beat in Wednesday's State of Origin decider.
Smith had nothing but praise for the inspirational Gallen on Monday and rated him a huge loss for NSW.But he feared his forced withdrawal from game three at ANZ Stadium had created new threats to Queensland's seven-year series dominance.
He revealed he voiced his concerns to coach Mal Meninga as soon as Gallen pulled out on Friday with his foot injury, when Blues coach Laurie Daley countered by calling young forwards Aaron Woods and debutant Boyd Cordner into his team.
"If anything it's probably going to be even harder," said Smith.
"I think you see a lot of teams when they lose a senior player they share the workload and they know that they have to play even better to make sure that his loss isn't felt as much as everyone thinks."
Smith was not downplaying Gallen's contribution to his team but also believed the addition of Woods and Corner for a player battling injury would make NSW more mobile.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...thout-paul-gllen/story-fni3fqyo-1226679602502
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Chris and Boyd Cordner's unbreakable bond
Boyd Cordner arrives for a Blues training session at Allianz Stadium. Source: Getty Images
TWO Sundays ago, Chris Cordner had a feeling his youngest son Boyd would phone home with good news.
"When the call finally came midway through the afternoon, I picked up and asked him if he'd been picked for NSW," Chris recalled."He said, 'No Dad, but can you give me some directions to Helensburgh?"'In the moments before he received his call-up to the Blues team on July 7, Cordner was trying to get to a game of women's footy.It featured Lauryn Eagle, the girlfriend of his good mate Todd Carney, playing for the Helensburgh Tigerlilies.At the match, Cordner received a call of his own.
What Chris's gut instinct had predicted was now unfolding, with NSW coach Laurie Daley informing the 21-year-old that he'd been selected in an extended Blues squad for the decider.
"Boyd called me straight back and told me the news," Chris revealed."It was strange because I had this feeling he would be picked in an extended squad."I didn't know whether he would necessarily play, but I thought they would get him involved to peel the oranges or whatever just to get a taste.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...unbreakable-bond/story-fni3fqyo-1226679834291
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All NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley wants is a 'fair crack' from the referees
Laurie Daley looks on at Blues training at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
QUEENSLANDERS might be a protected species in their home state but Laurie Daley is calling on the refs to give the Blues a "fair crack" in Wednesday night's State of Origin decider.
When asked Monday if he expected a "fair crack" for the home team following a crisis meeting with referees boss Daniel Anderson, Daley could not give a firm answer."I don't know what to say to that," Daley said. "We are hoping we get a fair crack."
There is a genuine concern in the NSW camp, and has been for some time, that referees are intimidated by Queensland's superstars, led by skipper Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, two players who rival coaches have long argued push the limits to the extreme.
Former referees boss Stuart Raper admitted to The Daily Telegraph that Ricky Stuart had spoke about it during last year's series.
NSW were privately filthy this year at the way they were ambushed in Brisbane in game two when the refs failed to police the areas both teams were warned about before the game.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rom-the-referees/story-fni3fqyo-1226679845882
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Bulldog's Bite: Paul Gallen's podium finish
Paul Gallen says being forced to miss Wednesday night's Origin decider has been one of the hardest situations of his career. Source: Getty Images
AN emotional phone call with mate Ricky Stuart has persuaded Paul Gallen to join new skipper Robbie Farah on the ANZ Stadium podium Wednesday night should NSW win the State of Origin series.
Asked how it felt having to withdraw from such a historic match, Gallen said: "It was the hardest moment of my career."Gallen opens up about a number of key issues in this exclusive sit-down interview with Bulldog's Bite.
Bulldog: Paul, will you climb onto the podium alongside Farah if NSW win?
Gallen: I'd like to, yeah. It would be nice to be asked up there. But at the end of the day, it's not about me. I don't want the boys doing it for me. It's about getting a win.
Bulldog: I am sure every NSW fan would want you there holding up the shield.
Gallen: I wasn't going to at first but I had a good chat to Ricky Stuart. He said I had to do it. He said I had been the backbone of this side for a long time and that I busted myself for the team. And that I deserve it. I suppose I might.
Bulldog: You shouldn't even baulk, Paul.
Gallen: I love playing at ANZ Stadium. The hardest time will be game time. I'm all right at the moment but when you walk down that tunnel and you get to see how big the crowd is, full of blue, it is a special feeling. To not be there ... it will be tough.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ns-podium-finish/story-fni3fqyo-1226679794798
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Smith wary of Origin stand alone call
By Adrian Warren
AAP
Mon 15th July, 8:30pm
Australian captain Cameron Smith says the idea of stand alone weekends for rugby league's State Of Origin series is great in theory, but not in practice.
Smith on Monday differed with his club coach Craig Bellamy who said league should take a lesson from rugby union suspending the Super Rugby tournament in Australia during the Wallabies' three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
He also took issue with critics lamenting the playing standard in the NRL, insisting it had never been higher.
Queensland skipper Smith was concerned a move to a stand-alone period for the Origin series would make the season too long and he feared the possibility of player burnout if extra weeks were added.
Smith, like Bellamy, was a frustrated watcher as premiers Melbourne were thrashed 39-0 by the Bulldogs in Sunday's grand final rematch, played without any of both team's Origin representatives.
He agreed it wasn't a good look for the game but believed it was more of a scheduling issue, which had been pointed out when the draw first came out.
Read More: http://www.nrl.com/smith-wary-of-origin-stand-alone-call/tabid/10874/newsid/73472/default.aspx
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Underdogs tag no concern for Daley
By By Ian McCullough
AAP
Mon 15th July, 7:00pm
The odds looked stacked against NSW winning a first series since 2005, but coach Laurie Daley is confident his side can finally end Queensland's State of Origin stranglehold on Wednesday.
Daley enjoyed a dream start to his Blues coaching career with victory in game one but life has been far from plain sailing ever since for the 43-year-old.
The lead-up to game two saw the coach lose his fullback Jarryd Hayne to a hamstring injury in addition to star prop James Tamou and in-form winger Blake Ferguson due to suspension for off-field incidents.
Tamou is back for game three following his drink-driving conviction but Ferguson is suspended indefinitely and will stand trial at Waverley Court on Tuesday after being charged with indecent assault.
Hayne is still sidelined but last Friday Daley received the news he was dreading when inspirational skipper Paul Gallen was forced to admit defeat in his race to recover from a foot injury sustained in game two.
Daley admits his side face a mammoth task in halting the Queensland juggernaut, but with home advantage at a sold out ANZ Stadium and the confidence gained from success in the series opener, they can give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about.
Read More: http://www.nrl.com/underdogs-tag-no-concern-for-daley/tabid/10874/newsid/73473/default.aspx
- AAP
- JULY 15, 2013 1:00PM
Cam Smith believes NSW may be even harder to overcome without Paul Gallen. Picture: Sam RuttynSource: The Daily Telegraph
QUEENSLAND Origin captain Cameron Smith has warned his team that the loss of injured NSW counterpart Paul Gallen will make the Blues harder to beat in Wednesday's State of Origin decider.
Smith had nothing but praise for the inspirational Gallen on Monday and rated him a huge loss for NSW.But he feared his forced withdrawal from game three at ANZ Stadium had created new threats to Queensland's seven-year series dominance.
He revealed he voiced his concerns to coach Mal Meninga as soon as Gallen pulled out on Friday with his foot injury, when Blues coach Laurie Daley countered by calling young forwards Aaron Woods and debutant Boyd Cordner into his team.
"If anything it's probably going to be even harder," said Smith.
"I think you see a lot of teams when they lose a senior player they share the workload and they know that they have to play even better to make sure that his loss isn't felt as much as everyone thinks."
Smith was not downplaying Gallen's contribution to his team but also believed the addition of Woods and Corner for a player battling injury would make NSW more mobile.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...thout-paul-gllen/story-fni3fqyo-1226679602502
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Chris and Boyd Cordner's unbreakable bond
- JOSH MASSOUD
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 16, 2013 12:00AM
Boyd Cordner arrives for a Blues training session at Allianz Stadium. Source: Getty Images
TWO Sundays ago, Chris Cordner had a feeling his youngest son Boyd would phone home with good news.
"When the call finally came midway through the afternoon, I picked up and asked him if he'd been picked for NSW," Chris recalled."He said, 'No Dad, but can you give me some directions to Helensburgh?"'In the moments before he received his call-up to the Blues team on July 7, Cordner was trying to get to a game of women's footy.It featured Lauryn Eagle, the girlfriend of his good mate Todd Carney, playing for the Helensburgh Tigerlilies.At the match, Cordner received a call of his own.
What Chris's gut instinct had predicted was now unfolding, with NSW coach Laurie Daley informing the 21-year-old that he'd been selected in an extended Blues squad for the decider.
"Boyd called me straight back and told me the news," Chris revealed."It was strange because I had this feeling he would be picked in an extended squad."I didn't know whether he would necessarily play, but I thought they would get him involved to peel the oranges or whatever just to get a taste.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...unbreakable-bond/story-fni3fqyo-1226679834291
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All NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley wants is a 'fair crack' from the referees
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 16, 2013 12:00AM
Laurie Daley looks on at Blues training at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
QUEENSLANDERS might be a protected species in their home state but Laurie Daley is calling on the refs to give the Blues a "fair crack" in Wednesday night's State of Origin decider.
When asked Monday if he expected a "fair crack" for the home team following a crisis meeting with referees boss Daniel Anderson, Daley could not give a firm answer."I don't know what to say to that," Daley said. "We are hoping we get a fair crack."
There is a genuine concern in the NSW camp, and has been for some time, that referees are intimidated by Queensland's superstars, led by skipper Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, two players who rival coaches have long argued push the limits to the extreme.
Former referees boss Stuart Raper admitted to The Daily Telegraph that Ricky Stuart had spoke about it during last year's series.
NSW were privately filthy this year at the way they were ambushed in Brisbane in game two when the refs failed to police the areas both teams were warned about before the game.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rom-the-referees/story-fni3fqyo-1226679845882
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Bulldog's Bite: Paul Gallen's podium finish
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 16, 2013 12:00AM
Paul Gallen says being forced to miss Wednesday night's Origin decider has been one of the hardest situations of his career. Source: Getty Images
AN emotional phone call with mate Ricky Stuart has persuaded Paul Gallen to join new skipper Robbie Farah on the ANZ Stadium podium Wednesday night should NSW win the State of Origin series.
Asked how it felt having to withdraw from such a historic match, Gallen said: "It was the hardest moment of my career."Gallen opens up about a number of key issues in this exclusive sit-down interview with Bulldog's Bite.
Bulldog: Paul, will you climb onto the podium alongside Farah if NSW win?
Gallen: I'd like to, yeah. It would be nice to be asked up there. But at the end of the day, it's not about me. I don't want the boys doing it for me. It's about getting a win.
Bulldog: I am sure every NSW fan would want you there holding up the shield.
Gallen: I wasn't going to at first but I had a good chat to Ricky Stuart. He said I had to do it. He said I had been the backbone of this side for a long time and that I busted myself for the team. And that I deserve it. I suppose I might.
Bulldog: You shouldn't even baulk, Paul.
Gallen: I love playing at ANZ Stadium. The hardest time will be game time. I'm all right at the moment but when you walk down that tunnel and you get to see how big the crowd is, full of blue, it is a special feeling. To not be there ... it will be tough.
Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ns-podium-finish/story-fni3fqyo-1226679794798
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Smith wary of Origin stand alone call
By Adrian Warren
AAP
Mon 15th July, 8:30pm
Australian captain Cameron Smith says the idea of stand alone weekends for rugby league's State Of Origin series is great in theory, but not in practice.
Smith on Monday differed with his club coach Craig Bellamy who said league should take a lesson from rugby union suspending the Super Rugby tournament in Australia during the Wallabies' three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
He also took issue with critics lamenting the playing standard in the NRL, insisting it had never been higher.
Queensland skipper Smith was concerned a move to a stand-alone period for the Origin series would make the season too long and he feared the possibility of player burnout if extra weeks were added.
Smith, like Bellamy, was a frustrated watcher as premiers Melbourne were thrashed 39-0 by the Bulldogs in Sunday's grand final rematch, played without any of both team's Origin representatives.
He agreed it wasn't a good look for the game but believed it was more of a scheduling issue, which had been pointed out when the draw first came out.
Read More: http://www.nrl.com/smith-wary-of-origin-stand-alone-call/tabid/10874/newsid/73472/default.aspx
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Underdogs tag no concern for Daley
By By Ian McCullough
AAP
Mon 15th July, 7:00pm
The odds looked stacked against NSW winning a first series since 2005, but coach Laurie Daley is confident his side can finally end Queensland's State of Origin stranglehold on Wednesday.
Daley enjoyed a dream start to his Blues coaching career with victory in game one but life has been far from plain sailing ever since for the 43-year-old.
The lead-up to game two saw the coach lose his fullback Jarryd Hayne to a hamstring injury in addition to star prop James Tamou and in-form winger Blake Ferguson due to suspension for off-field incidents.
Tamou is back for game three following his drink-driving conviction but Ferguson is suspended indefinitely and will stand trial at Waverley Court on Tuesday after being charged with indecent assault.
Hayne is still sidelined but last Friday Daley received the news he was dreading when inspirational skipper Paul Gallen was forced to admit defeat in his race to recover from a foot injury sustained in game two.
Daley admits his side face a mammoth task in halting the Queensland juggernaut, but with home advantage at a sold out ANZ Stadium and the confidence gained from success in the series opener, they can give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about.
Read More: http://www.nrl.com/underdogs-tag-no-concern-for-daley/tabid/10874/newsid/73473/default.aspx
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Is NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley the man to end the rut?
LAURIE Daley stands on the edge of something special as he leads NSW into a series decider on home turf.
After seven years of heartbreak, the first-time Origin coach will seal a dream introduction in the game’s toughest gig if he can orchestrate a second win for the series at ANZ Stadium.If he does pull off the unthinkable it will be a win celebrated hard. Not just by Daley and his staff but by the three tortured souls who threw everything at Mal Meninga’s champion side for seven long years, only to finish as failures.
Graham Murray picked up the baton in 2006 with the chance to coach a NSW side that had tasted victory in three straight series.With 10 minutes to go in game three, Murray’s side had a 10-point advantage and a fourth series win on the trot looked a fait accompli.
It was then that a champion started to rise as the Maroons snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two last-gasp tries to devastate the Blues.
Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-to-end-the-rut/story-fni3fqyo-1226679872217
- BEN GLOVER
- FOX SPORTS
- JULY 16, 2013 4:43PM
LAURIE Daley stands on the edge of something special as he leads NSW into a series decider on home turf.
After seven years of heartbreak, the first-time Origin coach will seal a dream introduction in the game’s toughest gig if he can orchestrate a second win for the series at ANZ Stadium.If he does pull off the unthinkable it will be a win celebrated hard. Not just by Daley and his staff but by the three tortured souls who threw everything at Mal Meninga’s champion side for seven long years, only to finish as failures.
Graham Murray picked up the baton in 2006 with the chance to coach a NSW side that had tasted victory in three straight series.With 10 minutes to go in game three, Murray’s side had a 10-point advantage and a fourth series win on the trot looked a fait accompli.
It was then that a champion started to rise as the Maroons snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two last-gasp tries to devastate the Blues.
Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-to-end-the-rut/story-fni3fqyo-1226679872217