Brad Fittler believes the constant chatter surrounding the NSW Blues could actually work in their favor when they aim to clinch the State of Origin series on Wednesday. Despite securing a dramatic 22-20 victory in the first game, the Blues have once again come under pressure due to a sluggish start in Sydney.
Laurie Daley has faced significant criticism over his selection choices and coaching strategies, while discussions about Mitchell Moses’ fitness have dominated the headlines. However, according to the former NSW captain and coach Fittler, these talking points might ultimately prove beneficial once the match begins.
“I think they’re in a good position,” he said on Nine’s Freddy and The Eighth.
“You know why? Because everyone is talking about how lame they are. You had Casey [McLean] pull out and everyone is talking about Mitchell being injured. All of a sudden, if they come out and really handle the first 10 minutes, I reckon we’re in a great position.”
“I like what’s going on at the moment, everyone’s talking about how we’re a bit lame and injured … they know they’ve gotta get the start right.”
Andrew Johns echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the opening exchanges will be crucial for the Blues if they want to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
“I really like NSW … if we get the start right, we’ve got to move the ball coming out of trouble,” the rugby league Immortal said.
Moses will partner Nathan Cleary in the halves for game two, with the standout from game one, Ethan Strange, moving to NSW’s six-man bench.
For the Maroons, it’s a must-win scenario, and the big change is the inclusion of superstar Broncos fullback Reece Walsh on the interchange.
Here’s who Nine’s panel of experts are tipping for the clash at the MCG.
State of Origin game two expert predictions
- Andrew Johns: NSW by 8, James Tedesco MOM
- Paul Gallen: NSW by 2, Nathan Cleary MOM
- Brad Fittler: NSW by 6, Nathan Cleary MOM
- Ruan Sims: NSW by 6, Isaah Yeo MOM
- Mat Thompson: Queensland by 12, Cameron Munster MOM
- Peter Psaltis: Queensland by 16, Kalyn Ponga MOM
- The Mole: Queensland by 7, Cameron Munster MOM
- David Middleton: NSW by 12, Nathan Cleary MOM
- Ben Glover: NSW by 2, Mitchell Moses MOM
The pressure is on for the Blues to capitalize on the narrative surrounding them, while the Maroons will need to find a way to overcome their challenges and secure a win. With the series on the line, every decision, every play, and every moment will be critical in determining the outcome.
