The last time Billy Slater’s Maroons scored a win in Sydney then travelled to neutral territory and got thumped, it turned out OK for the Maroons.
In 2022, Queensland won the series opener, then travelled to Perth to get absolutely steamrolled 44-12 by a rampaging NSW side, only to return to Lang Park for a decider where they scored a famous victory in Slater’s first series as coach.
And they will be hoping to replicate some of that Origin magic after Wednesday night’s shocking 38-18 demolition at the MCG.
Eleven of the players who played in the Maroons’ most recent disappointment were there that night at Perth Stadium when Nathan Cleary led his Blues to victory, doubling Queensland’s points total all by himself.
“That was a tough night over in Perth and things snowballed against us on that night as well,” Slater said in his post-match press conference in Melbourne.
“We are going back to the same venue, so we’ll see how we go.”
Just as he did that year, Slater is looking forward to heading back to the friendlier confines in Brisbane, but knows the team that was so roundly beaten in Game II has a lot of issues to address to turn things around.
The Maroons have an enviable record in deciders in Brisbane, winning 11 of 13 when the series has been up for grabs on home turf, including six straight since 2011.
“It’s a great venue, it brings a great atmosphere,” he said.
“It’s a decider. They’re great games to be a part of. They’re wonderful games to be a part of. That doesn’t mean anything unless we address what happened in the first half.”
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans said the players will “take some experiences from” their 2022 turnaround, “but no two series are ever the same”.
“There’s still a lot of desire there, regardless of the result tonight, we still want it more than ever and we need to show that in our performance next game,” he said.
“After a loss like that, that next game for a player can’t come quick enough. Looking forward to it.”
NSW coach Michael Maguire was made aware of the odds facing his team, but was bullish about their chances in the wake of the most dominant opening half Origin football has ever seen.
“It can be done,” he said.
“If this group gets together like they have in this game, there’s no reason why things can’t happen.”
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