Cameron Munster and Maroons called out over 'confident' vibe ahead of Origin
The former Blues coach believes the Maroons may have become 'over-confident'
Former Blues coach and Origin great Laurie Daley has called out the Maroons for being over-confident ahead of Game II and claimed an upset is on the cards. The Maroons enter Game II at Suncorp with optimism having defeated the Blues 26-18 after a miraculous final 10 minutes, which saw them put two tries on Brad Fittler's team despite being down to 12 men.
Since then, the Blues have come under heavy scrutiny with Fittler's tactics and selections called out and the team now needing to head north and win the game to keep the series alive. Fittler will be missing Nathan Cleary and Latrell Mitchell again in the must-win clash, which could also decide his fate as coach.
GOOD, BAD AND UGLY: Shane Flanagan's Dragons dilemma, Dogs toothless
'GUILTY': James Tedesco's brutal Blues admission before Origin II
However, Daley believes the Maroons have exuded over-confidence in the last week in the build-up to Wednesday's clash. Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans took a dig at his No.7 counterpart before Game II, while state great Brent Tate sunk the boot into dropped star Nicho Hynes last week.
And Cameron Munster also took a parting shot at legend Andrew Johns on the weekend with a public blow-up with his brother ongoing in the media. And Daley said it is unusual to see the Maroons so publicly confident before a clash.
“They are very confident and it’s unusual too, some of the talk coming out of this Queensland side,” Daley said on Big Sports Breakfast Radio. “You’ve got Cherry-Evans talking to everyone around their tactics of kicking to the wingers and NSW aren’t silly, they know they’ve got tall timber on the edges there and they’ll look to place those balls, particularly Coates on To’o with the height advantage there.
“DCE early last week made comments on Mitchell Moses saying how it’s a tougher environment, State of Origin. You had Reece Walsh’s comments after the game about NSW, you had Brent Tate coming out on Nicho Hynes. Even Munster yesterday on Channel 9 having a bit of a crack at Joey Johns and he and JT fist pumping.”
Daley said he wouldn't be surprised to see the Blues apply pressure early and stay in the contest until it comes down to the wire. With the Maroons expected to wrap up the series, Daley said he can picture an upset this Wednesday.
Cameron Murray nearing return for Game II
Daley's confidence comes as Rabbitohs star Cameron Murray and Panthers ace Liam Martin appear ready to return for Game II. Murray and Martin have been touch-and-go with a groin and a concussion injury, respectively, keeping the two sidelined in the build-up to Game II.
However, both players were arguably the best forwards for the Blues in Adelaide when there energy off the bench changed the game. And Blues selector and adviser Greg Alexander has delivered some promising news.
“(Murray) looks good. He did a fair bit of the training on Friday and today will be a full session for Cam to make sure he’s good,” Alexander said. He’s confident. The physios think he’ll be ready.”
Alexander said Martin will have to wait for the day before the game to get back to physical contact, but was assured the Panthers forward will be 'perfectly' ready to play.
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
