Queensland rugby league legend Chris Close has issued a stark warning to the current Maroons squad, emphasizing the need for a transformative change in their mindset and performance ahead of their upcoming clash in Perth. Close’s comments come after Queensland’s disappointing 18-6 defeat to New South Wales in the series opener, where he reflects on the dire state of the team’s performance.
“If we use the way we played in game one as a launching pad for game two, we won’t beat them for another 100 years,” Close stated, urging the team to rise to the occasion required in State of Origin matches. He believes that unless the players can elevate their game, winning will prove challenging.
Historically, Close’s words carry significant weight, especially as he was instrumental in Queensland’s victories in the early 1980s. As the team prepares for the crucial must-win match, they face the prospect of losing four consecutive Origin games for the first time since the late ’90s.
In support of the selectors’ decision to replace former captain Daly Cherry-Evans with North Queensland’s Tom Dearden as halfback, Close noted Dearden’s standout performances. He indicated that Dearden was the only player who exceeded the club’s standard during their last outing, suggesting an urgent need for the rest of the team to follow suit.
Adding to the stakes, Queensland’s recent lineup disruptions have been echoed in the similar challenges faced by New South Wales, which had to navigate injuries leading up to the series. This parity in difficulties illustrates the unpredictability and resilience inherent in high-stakes matches.
With the pressure mounting, the Maroons have the opportunity to regroup and come back stronger on the field, showcasing their depth and determination to turn the tide in the rivalry against New South Wales. Fans and players can remain hopeful that with strategic adjustments and a renewed spirit, Queensland can elevate their game and keep the series alive.
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