Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues hooker Damien Cook doesn’t have to look too far back for motivation to win Game Three of the Ampol State of Origin series at the Gold Coast on Wednesday night.
He was in this position in 2018 when the Blues also won the first two games of the series to reclaim the Shield for the first time since 2014, but was also left with the hollow feeling of celebrating the moment after losing Game Three in Brisbane.
“We’re not going to miss this opportunity,” Cook said.
“I’ve noticed with the coaching staff, especially Freddy and Teddy as well, they’re making sure the intensity has gone up.
“We haven’t slackened off at all and we’ve made sure we’re ripping in, doing all the right things and ticking the boxes so we can go out there and win all three games.
“We want to make sure we go out there and lift that Shield after a winning game.”
There have been only three NSW wins who have managed a 3-0 series win since Origin moved to a three-game concept in 1982, with the last of those coming 21 years ago.
The Blues will become the first team in history to win three games in Queensland if they can win Game Three at Cbus Super Stadium at the Gold Coast on Wednesday 14 July.
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues advisor Greg Alexander told Behind Blue Eyes there were plenty of players who felt flat after losing Game Three in 2018.
Playing also from that team who will be part of the action on Wednesday night were James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr, Tariq Sims and Angus Crichton.
“It will be tough and to get that 3-0 win would be special,” Alexander said
“We don’t want to walk off the field on Wednesday night having lost the game because it does put a sour taste in your mouth even if you’ve won the series.
“We did that in 2018, won the first two and then lost the third one and it leaves you a bit flat.
“I know the boys don’t want to have that feeling and want to finish the series off strongly.”
