NSW True Blue Brett Kimmorley believes fifth-tackle options will make or break tomorrow night’s Origin II clash at ANZ Stadium.
The legendary halfback, who represented NSW on 10 occasions from 2000 to 2010, says there’s a huge importance on each team’s back-of-set options – and he believes Queensland will put in a much better display after the drubbing they endured in Origin I.
“I think, Game Two, it’s important to get tackle-five plays right for the whole game,” Kimmorley told www.NSWRL.com.au.
“Queensland have picked a much better footy side for game II, it’ll be a lot closer than what it was in game one.”
Kimmorley heaped praise on the VB Blues’ boot-to-ball options in the first Origin fixture, but insisted the job would become harder with the inclusion of Billy Slater in the no.1 jersey for the Maroons.
“Probably the only mistake they got in their kicking game in game one was when Mitchell had the chance to get the ball in the in-goal and they unfortunately caught it on the full down the short side,” Kimmorley said.
“I think the tackle-five plays are super important here, they talk about those Origin moments, you’ve got to get them right in this game.
“Queensland can’t allow this game to be lost, NSW don’t want to go to game III in Queensland – there’s plenty at stake and I think tackle-five plays and building pressure and coming up with the right options is super important.
“I think the fact Queensland has picked Billy Slater – no fullback does it better that him, identifying where the ball is going to go and he catches most balls on the full. The job’s a bit harder for NSW this time.”
