Queenslanders must be licking their lips at the New South Wales panic following their Game I loss, but it's undoubted that changes must be made. Certain aspects didn't click, and they have to be amended. Here's what Brad Fittler must change.
Firstly, a fit Tom Trbojevic walks straight into this side, replacing Nick Cotric on the right wing. Cotric was neither great nor bad in his Origin debut, but Tom is simply a better player. He was close to the Blues' best last series, his go forward out of dummy half is invaluable.
I hate changing the halves, especially mid-series, but Cody and Cleary just didn't click. It's an unfortunate truth. Mitchell Pearce gathered all sorts of support after five straight Man of the Match performances, but he's tried and tested, he's failed too many times. They have to bring in James Maloney.
Maloney played arguably his best game of the season last week against the Roosters, and showed the control the Blues just need. Plus the club combination and last year's winning duo, Freddy must start Maloney, push Walker to the bench and drop Wighton. Some sort of punishment needs to be given for THAT pass.
Klemmer is a huge loss. But instead of bringing in a new prop directly, I think a shuffle could help. Cameron Murray was electric in his first game off the bench. His quick play the balls are essential. Shift Jake Trbojevic to prop, and start Murray. Ball playing forwards with a bit of late footwork could be fantastic for New South Wales.
The bench? I'd keep Payne Haas, I don't think he should've been picked initially after just 10 NRL games, but he did nothing to deserve getting dropped. Joined by Cody Walker on the interchange, along with two debutants. I replaced Angus Crichton with Ryan Matterson, his attack is great and his former career as a five-eighth shows, but it's his defence that impresses. He made 57 tackles against Canberra, and Crichton just isn't in form.
As for the vacant bench spot after Murray got pushed into the starting side? One man, two words. Dale. Finucane. The Melbourne lock is deserving of an Origin berth, and could really lock that middle third of the field down. Would be an asset, hard as nails as well, just built for the Origin arena.
That's a few changes, but one's that Fittler must make if he wants to regain control of this series.
PREDICTED NSW ORIGIN II SIDE
1. James Tedesco
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Josh Morris
5. Tom Trbojevic
6. James Maloney
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Damien Cook
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Boyd Cordner (c)
12. Tyson Frizell
13. Cameron Murray
14. Cody Walker
15. Dale Finucane
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Payne Haas