The dust has barely settled on Queensland’s dramatic series-levelling 26-24 victory in Game II, its first ever win in Perth.
But Maroons coach Billy Slater is already plotting an even bigger mission—re-writing history by recapturing the State of Origin Shield before 80,000 frenzied NSW Blues supporters at Accor Stadium on July 9.
“I don’t think we’ve ever won a series after being 1-0 down and having to travel, and travel (again),” a proud and determined Slater said post-match.
“What an opportunity it is for this team, to have to go to Sydney to wrap up the series.”
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“It’s not easy, it’s a hard game and I’m sure NSW will be ready to go (in Game III),” Slater continued.
“It’s going to be a heck of a game and I’m looking forward to getting into the preparation for it.”
Having made several surprise selection calls in the lead-up to Game II, Slater was full of praise for first-time Maroons captain, Cameron Munster, whilst also acknowledging the impact made by new starting halfback, Tom Dearden, who replaced Daly Cherry-Evans after the Game I loss.
Dearden looks set to wear the prized Maroons number seven jersey in Sydney—and for the foreseeable future.
“It’s Tom’s time now, and he didn’t surprise any of us in what he put out there tonight,” Slater said.
“That’s the first time he’s worn the number seven jersey for Queensland, I wouldn’t imagine it will be the last.”