Origin Secrets and the Road to Perth - Billy Moore’s Rallying Cry

The dust has settled on State of Origin Game I, and the verdict is in: New South Wales didn't just win; they schooled Queensland. From the "velvet glove with the steel fist" coaching of Laurie Daley to the gassed-out Maroons, there is a lot to digest.

The Power of the Start

New South Wales began with an intensity that Queensland simply couldn't match. Laurie Daley had challenged his men to start physically, and they delivered from the opening set. While Tino Fa'asuamaleaui tried to spark something for the Maroons, he often "overcooked it" early on, lacking the support needed to stem the tide.

A major factor was the staggering 6-nil penalty count in the first half. This unheard-of advantage gave the Blues constant possession in good field position, forcing Queensland into a tackling marathon. By the 25-minute mark, the Maroons were "gassed," and their attack, which usually thrives on energy, looked lethargic.

Tactical Masterclasses

• Targeting Harry Grant: It was "Rugby League 101." The Blues direct traffic at Grant, the smallest man on the field, who was returning from a month-long injury layoff. This fatigue translated directly into a lack of spark from dummy half for Queensland.
• The "Loz" Evolution: This is a different Laurie Daley. He has acknowledged the mistakes of his past tenure—namely picking on reputation rather than form—and has adopted Michael Maguire’s successful template. He picked a solid, defensive-minded team and didn't "set a foot wrong."
• Mitch Moses & Nathan Cleary: While not perfect, the Blues' halves combinations are already showing a scary amount of potential. Mitch Moses, in particular, was sensational, outshining even Nathan Cleary in his controlling performance.

The "DCE" and Ponga Concerns

For Billy Slater, the post-match soul-searching begins now. The biggest question is whether Daly Cherry-Evans is reaching a "mythical used-by date" at 37 years old. While some argue he was just a victim of a dominated middle, his recent club form has been patchy since the news broke of his impending departure from Manly.

Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster were also disappointing, but Kenty attributes this to a total lack of "shape" in the Queensland attack. Ponga was often receiving the ball in "backyard footy" scenarios—no decoys, no movement—making him easy pickings for an aggressive Blues line speed that was consistently moving over the advantage line.

The Road to Perth and Beyond

The statistics are heavily stacked against Queensland. Out of 41 series, 31 teams that won Game I went on to win the series. Furthermore, Queensland has never won in Perth, and Game III is back in Sydney. Their only glimmer of hope? In 2017 and 2019, the winner of Game I actually lost the series.

Peanut of the Week: Eddie Farah

In a moment of "gamesmanship" gone wrong, New South Wales trainer Eddie Farah was caught squirting water on the ball. Referee Ashley Klein gave him a final warning, but Kenty is firm: trainers are on the field far too much and should only be allowed on when a try is scored or there is a serious injury.

Club Footy & The Galvin Update

Despite the Origin fever, the NRL rolls on:

• Lachlan Galvin: It’s official. Amidst the Origin noise, the Bulldogs "snuck in" the announcement that Galvin has officially signed for 2025.
• Dom Young: He is headed back to Newcastle, but not until after the Roosters' Round 14 clash.
• Weekend Picks: Kenty likes the Dragons over the Knights, Cowboys over the Tigers, and predicts a "gunfighter" standoff between Ricky Stuart and Trent Robinson in the Roosters vs. Raiders clash.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.