Queensland’s Quest for Redemption
Queensland is determined to revive the spirit of 1995 as they aim to rewrite history in the State of Origin series. The Maroons are now focused on overcoming a recent defeat and making a strong comeback in the upcoming match. After a heartbreaking loss to New South Wales, where the Blues came from behind to win 22-20, the team is already looking ahead to their next challenge.
The Maroons faced a tough situation after the game, with superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga feeling responsible for the loss. Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge on NSW rookie Tolu Koula, which sparked significant debate among fans and players alike. Despite this setback, the team is not letting the defeat define them.
The focus now shifts to Melbourne and June 17, when Queensland must secure a win for the first time in 14 years to keep the series alive. No team in the 46-year history of State of Origin has managed to come from behind two years in a row and win both series. This is a daunting task, but the Maroons are determined to make it happen.
In 1995, the Maroons used the “Neville nobodies” catchphrase as a rallying point during their comeback. Last year, they revived that spirit, using it as a motivational tool during their series victory. Players even chanted “1995” to each other during training sessions, drawing inspiration from that historic year.
Maroons veteran Pat Carrigan emphasized the importance of this historical legacy. He stated that the spirit of 1995 is deeply ingrained in the team’s ethos. Carrigan shared his thoughts with AAP, saying:
“We’re Queenslanders, that sort of thing never leaves you,” Carrigan told AAP.
“That’s the history of Origin and what Queensland has been built on as players and those past guys.
“We’ll always lean into that. I think any time you put on the Maroons jersey that is what is expected of you.”
Carrigan also highlighted the expectation placed on the players. He mentioned that the standard set by previous generations is something the current team must uphold. He believes that regardless of the circumstances, the team will find a way to succeed.
Queensland has a history of overcoming challenges under the leadership of Billy Slater. In 2022, the team was on the brink of defeat after a poor performance in game two but managed to turn things around in the decider. Carrigan described this as part of the team’s identity.
“It’s part of us. It’s just the expectation,” Carrigan said.
“The players who came before us created that standard and whatever circumstances get thrown at you, you just have to deal with it and find a way.
“There will be an opportunity to go to Melbourne and level it up, and the rest will be history.”
Slater echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to maintain the team’s core values. He indicated that he would not make drastic changes to the selection process. However, there is a lot of speculation about the future of Reece Walsh, who was notably left out of the squad for Origin I.
Slater chose Ponga as the fullback, and the player is expected to retain his position after being cleared of suspension for the shoulder charge. When asked about the possibility of Walsh returning for the upcoming clash at the MCG, Slater remained non-committal.
“There’s a lot of ifs … we’ll just put one foot in front of the other,” Slater said.
“The heart and spirit that they fought with – with 12 men – they fought hard.
“This is the journey we’ve been put on. These are the cards we’ve been dealt, and we’ll be playing our hand.”
