NSW not complacent: Crichton
Angus Crichton has rubbished suggestions New South Wales (NSW) could get complacent in pursuit of the State of Origin series following their record-breaking win in Townsville.
A 50-6 victory over Queensland in Origin one has backed the Maroons into a must-win game at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night to keep the series alive.
And given the Blues’ track record at the ground, it could be fodder for the home side to stage an ambush.
Brad Fittler has lost all three games as NSW coach at Suncorp Stadium, while the Blues have won just five of the past 23 games on the hallowed turf.
Sydney Roosters star Crichton missed the record victory in Townsville through suspension but takes heed of the warning, saying there is no chance the Blues will be complacent.
“I won’t feel that complacency, I wasn’t out there on the field so I’m raring to go and I feel like everyone’s got that same mentality,” he told Fox Sports.
“We understand that game was a long time ago in rugby league terms so we’re ready to go.”
Crichton felt the sting of his Blues teammates in Friday night’s 12-38 loss to Penrith — a side that has been the opposite of complacent for the past two NRL seasons.
The six Panthers stars who dominated Origin one will again bring the energy and confidence to camp in Kingscliff this week.
Halfback Nathan Cleary in particular.
“He’s got the ball on a string at the minute, so it’ll be good fun linking up with him,” Crichton said.
“I saw that from the other side of the field last week.
“Even just at training today, the way he’s passing the ball and kicking the ball. I can’t wait to get out there and make good use of him.”
Crichton has been named on the bench for Sunday’s clash. – NRL
Trbojevic wants defence to improve
SYDNEY: Ask Tom Trbojevic how in the midst of this incredible purple patch of form he can get better as a footballer and he immediately identifies the one area of his game that never makes the highlights reel.
“It’s probably a cliché but you look defensively,” Trbojevic said.
It says a lot about the Manly fullback that even after scoring three tries for the Sea Eagles, in his first game since terrorising Queensland when he scored three tries for NSW in Origin one, he thinks of defence.
Because if there’s one part of his game that nobody ever talks about it’s his defence. Marshalling his team from the back and helping plug holes from behind the defensive line.
While everybody highlights his efforts and skill with the ball in hand, his impact at Manly since coming back from hamstring injury has been how much they’ve improved defensively.
The Sea Eagles conceded 31 points per game in their six outings without him this season, that figure dropping to just 14 points per game since his return. – NSWRL
Murray, Saifiti show promise for Blues pack
SYDNEY: Cameron Murray tuned up for Origin two by posting the season’s second-highest VB Hard Earned score.
As he prepared to return to an edge for the Blues, South Sydney star Murray carved up the middle in his team’s 46-0 win over the Broncos on Thursday night and earned an index score of 109.
Per stats provided by VB, the lock produced 38 tackles, 14 runs (gaining eight or more metres 10 times), 12 line engagements, three tackle busts and four offloads in a 69-minute masterclass.
Only Knights back-rower Tyson Frizell has recorded a higher index score in 2021 with his 110 against the Sharks in round six.
In good signs for New South Wales, prop Daniel Saifiti (107) wasn’t far behind Murray as he inspired Newcastle to a 10-6 win over the Warriors.
Saifiti was credited with 23 carries — including a gain of eight or more metres on 13 occasions — and 25 tackles.
Sea Eagles No.1 Tom Trbojevic’s stunning run continued as he was the highest-ranking back with an index score of 78. – NRL
Briefs
Sims focused
SYDNEY: Tariq Sims is under no illusions the Maroons will accept their humiliating 50-6 game-one drubbing kindly as they prepare to save the State of Origin series on Sunday night. New South Wales hit the paddock just down the road in Kingscliff on Tuesday to start their limited preparation to clinch the series at Suncorp Stadium. Although confidence is high, there’s not a hint of cockiness in the group who still remember how it all fell apart last year.
Tom to miss brother
SYDNEY: In the six years since he made his NRL debut as a teenager, Tom Trbojevic has only taken to the field six times without his brother Jake. In total, the best fraternal combination in the game have played 107 matches together at a club, state and national level.Six times they have run out for NSW together, with Jake having been there in every State of Origin brother Tom has played. Until Sunday night that is, when Tom will go out without Jake for the first time.
Blues set for game 2
SYDNEY: Five sleeps until the Maroons throw it all on the line to try and force a decider as the Blues aim to win back the Origin shield in game two at Suncorp Stadium. The Blues look set to make just the one change, while the Maroons have made five changes in a desperate bid to keep the series alive. NRL staff will be flown to Brisbane earlier than anticipated ahead of game two on Sunday due to the increase in cases of Covid-19 in Sydney. Twelve new cases were reported in Sydney on Monday and Tuesday. – Agencies
Tedesco to change style
SYDNEY: James Tedesco’s dynamic running style has been blamed for a series of head knocks but the New South Wales captain said he’s trying to stay upright instead of digging in low to avoid future concussion issues.
A week after the retirement of Sydney Roosters teammate and close friend Boyd Cordner due to concussion, Tedesco is aware of trying to protect himself from a similar fate.
This year, the champion fullback was on the receiving end of a nasty high shot from St George Illawarra’s Jordan Pereira on Anzac Day. – Yahoo Sports Australia