Previous Queensland series wins after game-two maulings in 2020 and 2022 have Daly Cherry-Evans believing the current Maroons can turn the tables on NSW in the State of Origin series decider in Brisbane.
The shell-shocked Maroons trailed by an Origin record 34-0 before losing 38-18 at the MCG on Wednesday night.
It is far from the first time the Maroons have been belted in game two of a series under the captaincy of Cherry-Evans. It is why he does not think changes to the side are necessary.
The Maroons have won two deciders in the past four series after being largely written off following game-two losses.
In 2022 they were pumped 44-12 in Perth, before winning 22-12 at Suncorp Stadium in game three.
In 2020 the Blues ran riot in game two in Sydney before Queensland, tagged “the worst team in Origin history” by southerners, responded with a 20-14 win in Brisbane.
“There are a few of us who can draw on experiences from 2020 and 2022. We will have to lead by example, and I will tell you what won’t be missing for game three … is belief,” Cherry-Evans said.
“We are really disappointed with how tonight went, but we still have an eye on the bigger picture. We will dust ourselves off and go again. There’s no doubt about the opportunity that we have to go to Suncorp and how excited we are about that.”
Cherry-Evans admitted to being “shocked” at half-time in Melbourne.
“That is the worst first half I’ve played in, but the positive is the second half,” he said.
“I’m not saying I’m proud of it, but I’ve lost games by more before. It was a good sign how we were able to reset and get our momentum back.
“As disappointed as Queenslanders will be, hopefully they are proud of that second half and know we are prepared to fight.” Maroons centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (shoulder) is in doubt for the decider, but Cherry-Evans hopes selectors stick solid with the squad.
“I know this same team can get the job done,” he said.
“I’ve had a lot of faith in the selection over the last couple of years and I will continue to have faith for whatever team they pick for game three. But I have no doubt there will be a lot of familiar faces there.” Cherry-Evans gave a word of warning about the home-ground advantage on July 17.
“We can’t rely on anything other than us preparing and getting ready to play a decider at Suncorp. We can’t rely on the crowd,” he said.
“We can’t rely on anything other than us being so focused and so determined to get the result.
“There have been a few of us who have done it before and we will lead the way with that when we get the next chance.”
Source Agencies
