DeeGan
26-05-06, 09:41 AM
Maroons 'missing mongrel'
By Dan Koch
May 26, 2006
QUEENSLAND'S forwards face another manhandling from their bigger Blues opponents unless they can get some "mongrel" in their defence, according to former Maroons hard man Greg Dowling.
Queensland selectors must decide whether keep the faith in their youngsters or turn to more seasoned performers such as renowned Broncos hitman Tonie Carroll or Roosters utility Chris Flannery to fill the void left by star Melbourne Storm backrower Mick Crocker's suspension.
The Maroons's rookie backrow of Matt Scott, David Stagg and Dallas Johnson was steamrolled by the NSW pack in the first half of Wednesday night's State of Origin opener in Sydney, setting the platform for the home side's 17-16 win.
While Blues forwards Willie Mason, Luke O'Donnell, Steve Menzies, Andrew Ryan and Nathan Hindmarsh set the tone for their side early with some ferocious hitting and barnstorming runs, the young Queenslanders struggled to give veteran prop Petero Civoniceva any assistance.
Things gradually improved for the Maroons as the night wore on, with replacements Carl Webb, Nate Myles and Sam Thaiday all making an impact.
But having missed 18 tackles and trailing 14-0 at the break, the damage was done.
"We were ordinary and as a group the forwards need to take responsibility for the loss," said Dowling, who acted as a forward mentor in the lead-up to the match.
"NSW were very strong and kept coming at us, but we just had no intensity in our defence at all.
"The Blues blokes were tackling in numbers and driving us backwards, but until Carl Webb and Nate Myles got on, we didn't have anyone who was sitting their blokes on their backsides.
"We did well to keep the lead to 14. By rights, they should have been up by 20 and if we start like that in game two they will be."
Much of the pre-game analysis had focused on the make-up of Queensland's backrow, with Scott playing out of position and Stagg and Johnson giving away a massive size advantage to the enormous Blues forwards.
Adding to the pressure was the fact all three were making their Origin debuts at a ground where the Maroons have yet to record a win in 10 starts.
Dowling said the three struggled to come to grips with the increased intensity and pace and admitted it was something the selectors would need to address before Game II.
"I thought they were ready, they had a wonderful preparation," Dowling said.
"But obviously nothing quite prepares you for being out there. It is something you need to experience for yourself.
"I guess now we look at how we address the start and what we need to do and maybe what we need to change to get that right."
The efforts of Myles and Webb off the bench may well have earned them a place in the starting 13 for the return match in Brisbane on June 14.
Queensland's three-man selection panel is also likely to consider the likes of Roosters lock Ashley Harrison and hard-working Bronco Corey Parker, although Stagg defended the incumbents.
"It was a bit of a shock to the system early but I thought we showed what we were capable of when the nerves settled in second half," he said.
"The pace definitely caught us early and we just made a lot of mistakes.
"But the nerves of playing our first Origin match are out of the way and I think we will improve a lot in Game II."
Skipper Darren Lockyer admitted he and halves partner Johnathan Thurston struggled in the first half, with the Blues's defence swarming the stuttering Maroons backline.
However, Lockyer praised the resolve of his young team-mates as they battled back to within striking distance of a win.
"It's pleasing to think we came as close as we did given how poor we were in the first half and how much better we all know we can play," Lockyer said.
"They will get better as well, but we took some heart from how we were able to fight back. Their big guys jumped us early and we have to deal with that better next game."
Lockyer looked a sorry sight, nursing stitches above both eyes and a sore lower back and ribs and along with Brent Tate (kidney) is in doubt for the Broncos match with the Bulldogs tomorrow.
Justin Hodges faces up to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring tear. Scans today will determine the extent of the damage.
The Australian
We did and Carl Webb was selected out of form to provide that for us and he failed on the night to put any fear into the NSW pack. Mason, O'Meley and co. were doing all the intimidating, we missed Crocker's 'mongrel' as they put it and I don't think we have anyone out there that can come in to replace him given Webby is reverting to Brisbane form.
By Dan Koch
May 26, 2006
QUEENSLAND'S forwards face another manhandling from their bigger Blues opponents unless they can get some "mongrel" in their defence, according to former Maroons hard man Greg Dowling.
Queensland selectors must decide whether keep the faith in their youngsters or turn to more seasoned performers such as renowned Broncos hitman Tonie Carroll or Roosters utility Chris Flannery to fill the void left by star Melbourne Storm backrower Mick Crocker's suspension.
The Maroons's rookie backrow of Matt Scott, David Stagg and Dallas Johnson was steamrolled by the NSW pack in the first half of Wednesday night's State of Origin opener in Sydney, setting the platform for the home side's 17-16 win.
While Blues forwards Willie Mason, Luke O'Donnell, Steve Menzies, Andrew Ryan and Nathan Hindmarsh set the tone for their side early with some ferocious hitting and barnstorming runs, the young Queenslanders struggled to give veteran prop Petero Civoniceva any assistance.
Things gradually improved for the Maroons as the night wore on, with replacements Carl Webb, Nate Myles and Sam Thaiday all making an impact.
But having missed 18 tackles and trailing 14-0 at the break, the damage was done.
"We were ordinary and as a group the forwards need to take responsibility for the loss," said Dowling, who acted as a forward mentor in the lead-up to the match.
"NSW were very strong and kept coming at us, but we just had no intensity in our defence at all.
"The Blues blokes were tackling in numbers and driving us backwards, but until Carl Webb and Nate Myles got on, we didn't have anyone who was sitting their blokes on their backsides.
"We did well to keep the lead to 14. By rights, they should have been up by 20 and if we start like that in game two they will be."
Much of the pre-game analysis had focused on the make-up of Queensland's backrow, with Scott playing out of position and Stagg and Johnson giving away a massive size advantage to the enormous Blues forwards.
Adding to the pressure was the fact all three were making their Origin debuts at a ground where the Maroons have yet to record a win in 10 starts.
Dowling said the three struggled to come to grips with the increased intensity and pace and admitted it was something the selectors would need to address before Game II.
"I thought they were ready, they had a wonderful preparation," Dowling said.
"But obviously nothing quite prepares you for being out there. It is something you need to experience for yourself.
"I guess now we look at how we address the start and what we need to do and maybe what we need to change to get that right."
The efforts of Myles and Webb off the bench may well have earned them a place in the starting 13 for the return match in Brisbane on June 14.
Queensland's three-man selection panel is also likely to consider the likes of Roosters lock Ashley Harrison and hard-working Bronco Corey Parker, although Stagg defended the incumbents.
"It was a bit of a shock to the system early but I thought we showed what we were capable of when the nerves settled in second half," he said.
"The pace definitely caught us early and we just made a lot of mistakes.
"But the nerves of playing our first Origin match are out of the way and I think we will improve a lot in Game II."
Skipper Darren Lockyer admitted he and halves partner Johnathan Thurston struggled in the first half, with the Blues's defence swarming the stuttering Maroons backline.
However, Lockyer praised the resolve of his young team-mates as they battled back to within striking distance of a win.
"It's pleasing to think we came as close as we did given how poor we were in the first half and how much better we all know we can play," Lockyer said.
"They will get better as well, but we took some heart from how we were able to fight back. Their big guys jumped us early and we have to deal with that better next game."
Lockyer looked a sorry sight, nursing stitches above both eyes and a sore lower back and ribs and along with Brent Tate (kidney) is in doubt for the Broncos match with the Bulldogs tomorrow.
Justin Hodges faces up to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring tear. Scans today will determine the extent of the damage.
The Australian
We did and Carl Webb was selected out of form to provide that for us and he failed on the night to put any fear into the NSW pack. Mason, O'Meley and co. were doing all the intimidating, we missed Crocker's 'mongrel' as they put it and I don't think we have anyone out there that can come in to replace him given Webby is reverting to Brisbane form.