Joey pinpoints EXACTLY what the Blues keep getting wrong against Queensland | Immortal Behaviour

Welcome back to another episode of Immortal Behaviour.Yes, it is the morning after Origin.So, Joey, first off, how are you feeling?

A bit sad today.Yeah, it's a sad day.It's a sad day.Sad day.

It was tough to watch down there.Well, I was watching at home, but I felt for you in the box.At halftime, when New South Wales were up 12 -8, did you genuinely think they were going to go on to win it?Because, I mean, traditionally, over the last, what, year or two, been the other way and Queensland have started strong.

David Middleton gave us a stat.I think in the last eight games when NSW had been up at half time, we've only lost once.

So you backed him?

We had the breeze in the second half.I just thought we'd really dominate with the kick and game.But Queensland were unbelievable.I've got to give them credit, even though it hurts to say it.There's areas of our game we don't need to tweak, we need to change.So, yeah, halftime I thought we were in a really strong position.

I thought we'd go on and win the game.I thought we looked dangerous.Yeah, but then Queensland came out and found another gear and, if anything, we just stopped playing.But they were, I think they were perfect.They completed 100 % the second half of the game.Completed 95 % for the game, which makes it difficult.

It's probably hard to sum up in one answer, but what went wrong for NSW in the second 40?Aside from the fact that completions were down, they had missed tackles.

I feel like they ambushed us in the opening five minutes.We were just trying to come out of our area, which brought a lot of fatigue into us.As I said, they completed 100%.We couldn't get behind the ball, come and get in trouble, our big men.Which means you struggle to get forward and create space for your team.And then it just felt like with that fatigue they went up another gear and the fatigue just dropped us down and then came errors and on the back of errors came pressure and on the back of possession came tries.

They were red hot, white hot.

Uncharacteristic things, some, that we saw from New South Wales, for example, the halves between them missed 17 tackles, which that's not really something you see from those two at club land, definitely.Was that just as a result of the fatigue and the pressure?

I don't watch the defence, so I'm watching both teams attack.I saw the stats that both halves missed a lot of tackles, but I'd have to go and have a look at it.whether it was defensive decisions, where they got defensive decisions wrong, or it was just a fact of having their technique, poor technique and just missing tackles.I think I saw Cobbo pick Nathan out a few times, coming back and kick reception.And yeah, I'd have to go over it, but yeah, that's an alarming stat for that.You can't be missing tackles like that, especially in that position.

It's so important, that position you organise in your edge.So, once again, credit to the Halves for Queensland for getting their strike players one -on -one with our Halves.

One of the big talking points afterwards, and Laurie was asked about this in the media conference, was his bench rotation.So there was the fact that, I think when I was listening, with at least about 25 to go, you were saying, well, when's Appie coming on?You've got to get Appie on.We're lacking that creative.

That was more Cameron.Cameron was saying, we communicate.you know, during ads or to break a play, you know, we take it.And he was saying, mate, they've got to get happy.They've got to get happy.And that's where probably the conversation is.

Oh, I think you even started it, Cameron.So I think if if they haveit all over again, look I keep saying it and I've said it a gazillion times, the best origin teams I played in were Badiris and Wing.The Ying and the Yang.I think in game one if you have a look when Blake Braley came on, he really straightened the attack and he was a run threat out of dummy half.And so we need someone off the bench.

I think Braley's a chance at coming back next game.I'd still start Rhys Robson.Start the game with him.Because he's rugged.He's a really strong defender.But the alarming stat is, I think he had two runs for how many metres?

So he's under no pressure in your view.Because if Braley is back, which he should be, would you consider having Appie and Braley as your two hookers given they're more creative players?

Well once again, I don't really necessarily watch defence, even at club land.But I asked Paul Gallon this morning, I was just at the airport with Gal, and he said Blake Braley defends well.He said he's very efficient.He doesn't whack defenders, but neither did Cameron or Harry Green, they're very efficient.Whether you go those two, you go Braley and Appie.But for myself personally, I would still start with Rhys Robson, but I'd bring him off after 30 maybe and then totally change the way you play and play through the middle like Craig Wing used to.

Totally change.

Did they get the rotation wrong?Elsewhere as well like not just not bringing Appie on but yeah, you know That's like Adam came on late and so that first when you said the the first couple of sets of the second half, right?Yeah, that's when Payne Mitch Barnett We're off and I whether it was you or Cameron in commentary said like they're getting beaten up through the middle They need to get Payne back on I think shortly after they did get Payne on like was the rotation just a bit off Maybe maybe and look I don't know who controls the interchange because I'd imagine...

a collective effort up there because the coach is so sort of focused in and under all sorts of pressure.But I used to see Freddie and Brandy going through all the scenarios and how long they'd play and look at Club Lee and how long Payne would play and this sort of thing.I don't know, I'd say there would have been a plan but imagine it gets helter -skelter.Yeah, so they probably would like to use it better, but once again, you know, the pressure in the box, I could imagine it's, it's debilitating.But I think everyone could see that probably we need Appie on there.

Yeah.So they certainly lacked creativity.And when, so they got those two tries in the first half, but one was off that Flegler drop.

Yeah.Like that's quite lucky.And one was off a ricochet.

So you could argue, maybe they were both lucky.And if you look at the stats actually, Of New South Wales' eight tries this series, three of those were against 12 men as well.

So is it a concern that they're not generating a whole lot in attack?It's a real concern.And once again, I keep saying it.Structured footing doesn't work at this level.It doesn't work.Because you're playing against the best of the best.

Structured plays in club league can work because you can put pressure on teams and only you know, there might be two or three players in that team that buckle.And if you have two or three players that buckle in defensive line, you got it, because it's a domino effect.But at origin level, you're playing against the best of the best.The best are the fittest, the toughest, mentally, you know, they're strong, they're smart, they know how to defend shape and all that.So, I think number one, we need to play out of dummy half more.There's not enough attack out of dummy half.

It is the simplest way to attack, but end the game.dangerous.So that's the number one thing.We need more support of our big men going forward.Once again, it's sort of structured play where we're saying, go there for this big play.So then what happens, you're sending Payne Arse to the line on his own.

And there's three men, and Payne's a freak, but three men are in there slowing him up.So if we have support flooding forward with our big men, One, it gets our halfbacks and fullback and our spine players on the advantage line, but it can create ruck speed by getting one -on -one tackles for our big men, which is quick play of the ball, then you play out a dummy half, or you generate an offload.We need to offload the ball a bit more.Because the best players are comfortable defending shape.When we're going through our plays, never really look threatened or vulnerable on the edge.So we've got to change something.

So, attack out a dummy half, more support around our big men rolling forward, which will create quick play of the balls, get them one -on -one tackles.Then we attack out of dummy half where we generate offloads and then move the ball off the offload because when the offload comes, it's not a straight line of defence.You might have centre -back, you might have half -back dislocated from the back rower, so there's little pockets you can attack.So yeah, we need more support.And look, their creativity, they were on fire last night.And once with possession and momentum and field position in the second half, Sammy Walker and Munster and KP, those three just ran right.

And then Harry ran right out of dummy half.Their creativity was off the charts.And they seemed to know, you know, it's so ad lib what Sammy does and Munster does, those two especially, but they seem to know what each other are doing.They were really crowded.36 points in the second half, it's unheard of.Considering the last four games, they've scored eight points.

The last four games.And my math averages out at two a game.You like that?

Were you in an extension maths class?

I was very good at maths.Were you?Yes, yes.Like a cook to books.I'd be one of those who could really cook the books.You would get yourself in trouble.

I'd be doing the books with a wok.The wok would be there.Someone would come in.

When you say New South Wales too structured, right?Is that too Penrith -like?

Well, that's the knock.But it's not only Penrith.It's the way the modern game is played.But you just, you look at those players and we say Munster isn't able to play.That's how he plays.Sammy Walker plays like he's in the backyard.

So that's the way we've got to play.

So essentially you're saying, for those watching, that what it takes to win at club level, that style doesn't work to win Origen because all you need is one or two people in the defensive line to crack at club level, but that just doesn't happen at Origen.

It doesn't work because they're the fittest.And you look at their back row last night, Nicara, I don't say that right, and Catewell, They are fit as fit.And when you're going to an edge, when you're playing your shape, a lot of it revolves around your back rower and your half.And they weren't under any stress.And with that, the centres and winger, look, it's all connected.Those four defenders especially, back row, half, centre, winger.

The centres and the winger never looked really vulnerable.But that was on the back.Second half, we just couldn't get it out of our own area.

So before we talk about changes for New South Wales, what did you like?Like Mark Nwanganita -Wase was great on debut.

I thought Kohler with the limited opportunities, he looked dangerous in the first half coming back through the middle.I thought when Cam Murray came on once again he made a difference.He has to start, we'll talk about that.Late on the last try with a nice pass to Mitch Barnett.At the top of my head I'm trying to think.Look, it was so hard for anyone to shine last night.

But Cam Murray has to start.I thought Marky Marky, he's a point of difference.He was very good.

So, with Cam Murray, everyone was saying that.Like, everyone.Do you think Laurie will pull the trigger?

I think so.I think if you go over the game, even in the second half coming out of trouble, the one generating quick play the most was Cam Murray.So I think he has to start.

Some argued that, okay, because when he came on and did so well in Game 1, that was against...

Twelve.

Yeah, or, you know, there was fatigue in the game by then.

So, was it deceiving?I thought him and Victor, when they came on in Game 1, totally changed around the middle.And look, Vic, last night, Victor's got to stop giving away penalties.He gave two for high tech.You can't do that.At that level, penalties are absolute gold.

At origin level.So, you know, Victor, he's got to sort that out.But Cam Murray is a must.He has to start.

Isaiah Yeo, you would imagine, given he's the captain, he's still there.

But he's got to be a run threat.Payne's a starter.You put him up front with Payne.Lock and front, front row.There's no differences.They're the same.

It's just numbers on their back.Payne and Isaiah and Cam Murray.I think that's a more mobile middle.Look, the names are going to come up.Latrell Mitchell.But I don't know how much running as Latrell has done with his back.

Would have done none with his back.

Usually for players, right, you think, oh, they're underdone.But is there something about Latrell that you think it doesn't matter?

He comes into camp.He walks into camp and they go, I said it last night, the big dog's back.And you know what he's like?He's so infectious.And when he's in a mood, no one can stop him.

He's almost like the exception to the rule.Even if he hadn't played in three months, you'd still pick Lechel, wouldn't you?

And the other one's Luman.

They need that mongrel, don't they?

Olukawatu.He has to come back in.

So is Dylan Lucas...

Maybe goes back to the bench.Once again, I haven't thought too much about it.But I don't know how underdone Mitchell Moses was with that leg.It was a worry when they brought him off.And nothing's been sort of said.We sort of speculated at the end.

They insisted it was just precautionary because of the school line.

So then the argument is...Ethan Strange, do we need a running 5 -8?Okay, so let's start with the halves then.

Mitch and Nathan or do you bring...Do you give Mitch an opportunity?That was his first game in a month.

I think so.But it's hard to ignore Ethan Strange in Game 1.And look, I said it publicly.I thought he was mean to the match.Jesus, some hard decisions.And if you're going to play that style of play, out of dummy half and a bit of ad -lib.

That's a bit more Ethan.That suits Ethan.That's how he plays at club land with Canberra.The way Canberra play, if you watch them when they're on fire, there's the blueprint.Starling out of dummy half.and they move the ball offload, Tarpenney and Papali, which then brings players like Ethan Strange and Hudson into play.

I can't give a definitive answer to that one.It's one that I think you've got to sit on.Liam Martin comes into the 17.

Has to come in some way.

Has to come in some way.

Because he's one that...Queensland wouldn't want to play against Liam Martin.He's up in your face.He's got that mongrel.He plays with an emotion and passion.

He's a psychopath.Let's get to it.He's a psychopath.A good psychopath.Well, he's ducks of the school.He's an educated psychopath.

An educated psychopath.

It was in a small country town.There was only six kids.That should be his profile.There's only six kids in the class.

Educated psychopath.

Educated psychopath.You could write a song about that.Sorry, Mrs. Martin.I've met you before, you're a lovely lady.

Maxine, I think her name is, is it?Yes.

Beautiful woman.Strong woman.She did a lot for William.

So he's definitely back in?

Yep.

Yep.Homoli back in?

Homoli back in.he starts on the right.So then the bench is Victor, I'd keep Victor, but say Vic mate, you can't stop hitting people in the head.

That's always his thing though, the line between his aggression and passion and he spoke about that in an interview with you before Game 1 I think, that sit down.Okay, so then the outside back, so the Littrell's a yes isn't he?What about Turbo, he's back this weekend.

See that's a worry also with the hamstring.Look, I was saying at the start of the year, and I'll stand by it, if he was rock hard fit, he'd be your fullback.He'd be my fullback.I think it's a travesty that he's never played fullback for NSW.He's back next game, so he's got two games.play before Origen.

If he has two absolute blinders, I'd put him in.At fullback?

Maybe.Maybe.

But just somewhere.I think with Turbo, a lot does have to hinge on the next two games, given it's a hammy.

Once again, in the back of your mind, he stretches out and does the hammy in the 10th minute.Anyway.

Stephen Crichton should be back as well.

Yeah, well there's another defensively.Is he going to be a stronger option?I like Cotone as a player.I don't think he's got enough quality ball.And once again, if we play this style of ad -lib footy, it suits him.Getting the wild man some early clean ball off loads.

But having, if you had Latrell, Critter and Turbo all fit.I mean, Turbo can play in the wing.They're three big bodies.Tough decisions.Do you have a headache even thinking about that?Imagine how Laurie's feeling.

I don't really feel for Laurie.It's just, what a horrible job.Seeing him in the box, it was just like, oh wow.

So your definites are Luttrell, Braley.

Not definitely Luttrell.There's got to be some honest conversations about how his fitness is and how he feels.So the extended bench is an interesting one for mine.Everyone knows I'm a Cody Walker fan.

Or you put Cody Walker on.

Do you have him on as that jersey 19 to cover the halves?But if we're 20 minutes to go, if we need some points, you go and Latrell plays.Talk about creativity.

No one better than Cody Walker.

There's no one better to light it up.

Is that just a, is that just a, or maybe you could do that?Or would you genuinely?

No, I just, I thought about it on the plane coming home.I'm just like, well, if Jason points, who can create points?Who creates opportunity?No one better than Cody.Cody Walker.

And if Luttrell's there, that combination they have, Cam Murray.

Get the boy, yeah.But I don't know if we can make mass changes.Look, I know the scoreline was horrendous.But, I think if we tweak a few things, maybe a few changes here and there, but I don't know about mass changes.They're just laughing, the Queenslanders.

Well, Lachie was laughing last night on the panel when Gus and Freddie were talking about it.

I'll tell you what they did do.It's brilliant coaching by Billy.In the second half, when they got into an attacking situation, they went two pass to Munster, which brought up Cottoni, which isolated Bisser.Now, I think Bisser's 5 foot 8.He's never been isolated under the high ball, even at Penrith.Look, Penrith don't necessarily let teams down.

But last night he was isolated.They isolated him with a two -pass kick.Cattani had to come up.The Jojo Fofito was an amazing catch, an amazing kick.But once again, that's the brilliance of Billy.

No surprise.He's just...We said it in the lead up to both games.He's so thorough, meticulous, prepared, professional.Like all the one percenters, Billy.He just has a plan for everything.

Well, where do you get to in the game?He changed the game.The way full backs play.He's the greatest full back of all time.For a reason.Deep thinker.

He watches it.He's intelligent.He's a Queenslander.

So we won't give him too much of a rap.They're laughing at all of this.of us.What about what Gus said about Laurier and the selectors don't listen to advice.

But it's hard.It's such a little lottery.We're talking about it and then the show's on Fox and they're all talking about it and the paper.It's the soap opera of rugby league and naturally it's going to subconsciously sink in.But all we're going to talk about between now and Origen in three weeks to wherever long is selections.It's going to happen every day.

It's all about NSW and every press conference during the week at the club level.

First things first, we tweak the attack.We work our attack out and then we pick players to play that style.

So you decide how you want to play, then you pick.

And there's got to be some honest conversations.If you don't want to play this way, we're not picking you.So we're going to blow it up.Blow up our attack and start again.Dummy half.Take it a dummy half.

For Queensland, not that you really care what they do, I mean they don't have to change much, but Tom Dearden comes into the equation now.But it's pretty hard to change that combination of Munster and...

That pass to Sam Walker last night off the scrum is one of the best passes I've ever seen in Origin.To break that down, we caught the ball with Nathan Cleary that far through, and to catch a slippery ball and pass unseen, and the ball hits Cale and Pong out there.That was an act of absolute genius.I don't say that loosely.That pass was just wow.He's...

Like he's been playing for a long time.Like Sammy.Sammy's an old -fashioned half -back.There's an education there.You want your half -backs to play, go and talk to his dad, Ben Walker, the way he's coached him.But his club form is here and how he plays.

But then, like if Quincywin Origin 1, he's Mayor of the Match on Dubuque.

He could have got two straight Mayor of the Matches.He could be, in his first series, in line for a Wally Lewis medal.

Yes.So Tommy Dearden.Look, moving forward, that combination.

Of Dearden and...

Munster came up smiling last night, and now I end up having a chat to him.I don't know, for some reason, I just got a feeling this is Munster's last year.

Well he keeps making, I don't know, just throw away lines about, oh, might have to give it up if the way that Tommy and Sammy are playing.

It would be an interesting moment.

Well, you think he's genuinely making that?

I don't know, I was just thinking about it down there.Maybe this is Munster's last.Them two together, Sam and Dearden, they complement each other.But you can't break up this half's pairing, not this year.

But Dearden comes back in somewhere, right?He comes onto the bench.

Well, once again, I'll say this.We were all surprised that Billy didn't pick a recognised half or 5 -8 on that extended bench.But we were wrong.Tommy didn't be ideal there because he can play a dummy half.He can play him in the middle.He's that tough.

And then you can still keep Rhys there.

So Rhys is there.Murray Taulanyi probably misses out then.Yeah, probably misses out.So Tommy didn't.

So Rhys even with all of that, I mean we thought Caelan was with that hit from Staggs that Kaelin was going to go off and Rhys was going to come on.

I can't believe he didn't get off table.

So it's wild to think that they did that and they didn't even need to inject Rhys Walsh.

Well when he got on his feet I was like, oh no.A fresh Rhys against a very fatigued NSW forward pack.And I was surprised Kaelin didn't come off that HIA.I've got to say I was surprised Ketone didn't get sent for that.

Is that basically what happened?incident isolated alone or the fact that if Pong has got sent in Game 1 there?

I thought it was very similar to Joseph Suolihi's.It was two years ago and it hit Rhys Walsh.It was nearly identical.But that's the dangers of pressure and fatigue and coming out of the line.Yeah, I thought he was lucky not to get sent Cattani.

I think the positive thing about that was the fact that it didn't affect the result like it...

Okay, I'll ask you this.Can I ask a question?If KP's like that, on the ground and doesn't move.

Probably, yep.

100%.He'd bounce straight up.I was surprised he didn't come off for a HIA, KP.And look, I've said it before, just because you get hit in the head doesn't mean you can cast.But that one, he got hit by a truck.

And given his...

History.

If you were the Knights watching, you probably would have thought, oh!

He was unbelievable too, Caleb.

That's very good.Okay, so do they have heading into the Decider then?

No, he was unbelievable.Saul Cobber.

Yeah.

He was playing reserve grade.Talk about Wally Lewis medals.Now I was talking to someone last night and they said this year his training ethic and how he's training, he's doing extras all the time, he's getting to training early.It goes to show, you put the hard work in with that much talent.We talk about talent and hard work.He gets that right, Selwyn.

Maybe he just needed a change of scenery as well, and the dolphins that freshened him up.

He's an incredible player.

I wonder how many wingers have got the Woollies as a medalist?

I don't know, I think Matt Singh won a Man of the Match from the wing.But we're talking in Game 1, there's a Man of the Match.Last night, if he got Man of the Match, it wouldn't have been out of place.

Yeah, so they were pretty much, again in Game 1, their best two.Like Selwyn and Sammy were in line for...

He got three tries last night.

Yep, Patrick was in line.

Everyone's got a weakness.You put fatigue on anyone.Anyone can buckle.But we need to get some fatigue in the opposition.That's what we need to do.And you do that by holding the ball and kicking early and working hard in defence and offloading the ball and making them make tackles and get back up and chase players.

Yeah, we need to get some serious fatigue into the opposition because once again, against the best players, there's no weaknesses when they're fresh.

So three weeks to debate changes?

We still haven't got it Sammy.And that was the talk leading into it.Defensively that that was his weakness.To isolating Sammy and getting at him.

But he's got his.It's got his bodyguards there as well.

Yeah, but then you can manipulate the gaps either side.So if you're getting semi, then you're in the head of the back row.He's, you know, he can susceptible to inside balls or dummies and the centres coming in.But we've got to get it semi more.That's a big one, I think.Got to get it semi.

There's a couple of times in Game 1 where we went Ol Kawatu at Munster and opened up the field and went to the left.We looked dangerous.But to do that, we need field position and fatigue.

So lots of change for the Blues, certainly over the next three weeks.Some headaches for Laurie Daly, we'll be debating everything.

He's alright Laurie, far out.Why would you do it?

He did look a bit rattled.And particularly it was a tough build up for him anyway with the articles about his speeches, he was uninspiring.But anyway, we've got club footy to get through as well.So your headline moment from last week was that the Broncos are gone.

Yes.

That looks like that Cristobal prediction was correct.Naturally, obviously we need to we're only around 16 so I have to wait till the end of the season but your headlinesmoment for this week?

Well, I thought of a good one.Raiders of the Storm by Jim Morrison.But I've tipped the storm, so that's not.Back page, Nightmare with a K. Only knights will put the dragons to the sword.70?No, 60.

Penrith got 68 against the Tigers.

Nightmare.

Yeah, I wonder if Cailin will back up.Maybe.

Would you just rest him?

No, I'd rest him.Put Fletcher Sharp back there.And you've got Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith in the half.Yeah, I'd rest him.

Nightmare.

Hashtag rest KP.

So you were good at maths and English then.I like that.

Nightmare?Not very good.

That's a good headline.

You could have been a journo.I'm not great at English.Haven't you read the Sydney Morning Herald Thursday?

Yes.No, I write it.Do you write it yourself?

I've got someone, Dan, the good man from Sydney Morning Herald, he goes over it.But no, I sit down and write it.Yeah?In crayon.No, I actually enjoy it.I actually enjoy it writing.

So don't be mean with your comments.

You can take over Danny Whitelaw and be the scoop man.

Nah, I couldn't do that.

Or read the news.You can be Pete Overton.

Well, I've said I'd read the news.You know the story with Eddie McGuire on the first night?

Yes, yeah.

Unlimited sleep.One day we can see you reading the news to sport, Andrew.

What?You're a funny bloke, Eddie.

John Fordham, the late, great manager, is going, come on, mate.

Me read the f****** news?

F****** hilarious.And Eddie, Eddie's looking at me.Anyway, sorry, Eddie.It was 20 years ago.

Let's get it rented in to the new rights still, hey?Joey has to read the news.

I hope you get the rights.

We will.We could be both.Anyway, thanks for being good sport after a tough night.Appreciate it.Under -19s tonight as well.

Under -19s.Now watch this.There's some incredible young players.Now the Roosters have got some back rowers.Owen Finnegan, the Great Wallabies.His son, James.

and in Finnegan.And there's another Baccaroa, Darcy Smith.

Nathan Kalis' son, Eddie?

Yeah, he's on the bench.He's a really good player too.But there's a Baccaroa, Darcy Smith from the Roosters.He's an incredible young player.And a young halfback for New South Wales, I think.Mariko or something like that.

I love this game.I love it.I remember seeing Ethan Strange score three tries a few years ago.We saw Jada Taylor score a hundred metre try, a hundred and ten metre try.

Casey McLean was there a couple of years ago.

So yeah, you're going to see some players.I love watching these juniors and you pick out some players and watch them come through.So yeah, looking forward to that one.Don't miss it.See some stars of the future.

Alright, hope everyone enjoyed another edition of Immortal Behaviour.

I'm going home to give myself a cuddle.

Everyone reach out, give Joey some love on social media, he's a bit sad today.

Don't be mean.

Hashtag don't be mean.

See you next week.