I have never EVER seen a side play as dirty as NSW have tonight. Literally in every tackle there's hair pulling, elbowing etc.
Just making up for the years of putting up with it from QLD, Cam Smith and Thurston are the two dirtiest players in the comp.
That was terrible, we never looked like winning it however I am seeing good signs from our halfs and our second rowers. Gidley looks at home at dummy half IMO and I think Hindmarsh is playing terrific. We seem to be a) trying too hard and b) wanting too play like QLD I honestly think even though we are looking like losing hence more changes if we keep this core team for the next few years they will gel and be the dominant team. Overall I just think we are trying too hard to save the series and making the silly mistakes in defence.
1. Hayne 6. Campese 7. Pearce 9. Farah Even if we lose every game for the next 2 years, just remain consistent with these 4 since that's the absolute best we'll do.
NO NO NO NO NO!!!!! I can't believe this. Darren Lockyer has been the difference. He has been what Queensland have done best. I don't care about Queensland though its NSW I am concerned about. I personally think that Trent Barrett has been the best for the Blues aside from the fact that two of his kicks have been kicked to Israel Folau. I also think that Pearce has been good and I am so glad the selectors chose him. Matt Cooper has been annoying me though. He has been pretty useless and his little arm pumps while he is running just looks ridiculous. Brett Morris' chip was questionable but I don't think it was his fault more that Billy Slater did a great job to get that ball and run. Waterhouse and Hindmarsh have both been pretty good and probably two of the better forwards. Gallen has given away some stupid penalties. Beau Scott is useless and I don't believe his selection has been justified even in defence. How Jennings still misses out on Origin selection is still beyond me. I won't take anything away from Joel Monaghan though while it was his defensive mistake that let in the first try and he has bounced back and has made some solid runs. I think what is important in this second half is that New South Wales capitalise on opportunities when they arise. They need to keep getting in the Queenslanders faces and they need to keep putting pressure on Smith when he tries to kick. I think Kurt Gidley is probably going to be one of the most important factors in the second half. He is going to need his attacking game perfect tonight as he is going to need to help out Barrett and Pearce in getting a few points on. Will like to see him played at 5/8 at some stage as well to allow Ennis back onto the field.
Only mistake I saw was losing the ball sliding to get on top of it from Thurston's chip. Would be harsh to blame him, has played well at dummy-half imo.