Ikin and Kenty with massive Game 3 review

In a special post-Origin edition of Kenty Blitz, Paul Kent is joined by Queensland Rugby League CEO and former sparring partner Ben Ikin to dissect one of the most remarkable State of Origin deciders in history.

Following Queensland's gutsy victory at Accor Stadium, the pair explore the coaching masterclass of Billy Slater and the deep emotional triggers that fueled the Maroons' success.

The "Neville Nobody" spirit of 1995

The victory wasn't just built on modern tactics; it was rooted in the folklore of 1995. Ikin revealed that Slater consciously tapped into the spirit of the "Neville Nobodies"—the underdog Queensland side that defied the odds 30 years ago.

"At the back end of Game Two, Queensland are desperately holding on... and the players, I’m told, were screaming out '1995' which they had emblazoned on the side of their jersey," Ikin shared. "When the physical gets too hard, you need something else to tap into... you've got to buy into something bigger than yourself."

Billy Slater’s courageous calls

Paul Kent praised Slater’s "brave" and "purpose-picked" selections, particularly the shock decision to drop the captain, Daly Cherry Evans, after Game One. The move to bring in Tom Dearden proved to be a stroke of genius, with the young halfback ultimately named Man of the Series.

"He sacked the captain... which was an extraordinary call," Kent remarked. "Then he picks Tommy Dearden and it just worked out so magically... based on two games, he’s Man of the Series."

Ikin, who works closely with Slater, noted the coach’s intense attention to detail and his ability to see things others miss. "Billy is sharp, he's focused, he knows what he wants... his attention to detail as an assistant coach and then as he transitioned into a head coach is off the charts."

Nathan Cleary’s "emotional trigger"

The discussion turned to New South Wales' disappointment, specifically the performance of Nathan Cleary. Despite being widely regarded as the best player in the game, Cleary has now lost three Origin deciders.

While Kent questioned whether Cleary had reached his "ceiling" at the representative level, Ikin remained adamant that the halfback would eventually dominate the arena.

"I absolutely believe... he will dominate an Origin series before he retires," Ikin predicted. "Maybe the way to unlock the next level of Nathan Cleary's game isn't about his football; it's some emotional trigger that he needs to find to take it to the next level."

The future of the Maroons

The episode wrapped up with Ikin confirming that the Queensland squad’s "relentless" and "disciplined" nature is a direct reflection of Slater’s own character. The emergence of players like Gehamat Shibasaki, who transitioned from a train-and-trial contract to an Origin hero, highlights the depth and culture being built north of the border.

"Origin footy is not about tactics or talent; it’s about who can go the hardest for longest," Ikin concluded. "And Queensland just stayed in the fight."

Watch the full review on Fanatics TV.