Queensland Culture Dead as Slater Scraps Pick and Stick

Kenty & Woz discuss the change to QLD Origin culture, Cronulla’s poor form & Lachie Galvin’s debut for the Dogs.

QLD Origin Culture 

The long held myth of Queensland’s magic dust has officially been laid to rest. Following the fallout from a bruising State of Origin series opener, Billy Slater’s decision to overhaul his roster suggests that the Maroons culture of loyalty is a thing of the past.

For decades, Queensland prided itself on a pick and stick policy that defied logic, often playing out of form stalwarts back into peak condition the moment they donned the maroon jersey. However, the sacking of captain Daly Cherry Evans and a raft of tactical changes indicates a shift toward the very blame game mentality that Queenslanders once mocked in their New South Wales counterparts.

The concerns go beyond mere personnel. While Slater spent the summer reflecting on previous losses and preaching a return to basics, the performance in game one lacked the physical intensity required at this level. From the very first set, New South Wales dominated the middle without meeting a single significant challenge. "Queensland’s preparation was not right," Kenty noted during our latest sit down. "Mentally they weren’t up to running harder and tackling harder than what New South Wales were."

The selection of Tom Dearden at halfback raises further questions about the team’s strategic direction. Statistics show a significant drop in Dearden’s winning percentage when moving from five eighth to the chief playmaker role. Without the long kicking game of Cherry Evans to relieve pressure, the Maroons risk being pinned in their own half by a Blues side that boasts some of the most powerful boots in the competition.

Kenty was blunt about the shift in philosophy, stating: "The fact is Queensland, I think it is a clear indication that this long held magic dust that Queensland have had... I think it is probably now officially dead."

Sharks Struggle for Confidence

Elsewhere in the NRL, the Cronulla Sharks are facing a crisis of identity. Despite their position on the ladder, their recent form suggests they are slipping out of premiership contention. The primary issue lies in the lack of direct play from their key playmakers.

Nicho Hynes, usually the focal point of the Sharks’ attack, has fallen into a pattern of running sideways, allowing defensive lines to shift and cover with ease. It is a classic symptom of a lack of confidence. As the saying goes, hard work brings success, and success brings confidence. Until the Sharks return to a more direct, confrontational style of football, their hopes of a deep finals run remain slim. "He's just running sideways all the time," Kenty observed. "The fact he is running sideways shows he is down on confidence."

Bulldogs Find the Missing Piece

In a brighter turn for the league, the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs appear to have secured a genuine superstar in Lachlan Galvin. His seamless integration into the side and immediate impact on the field have transformed the Bulldogs into true premiership contenders.

The way the squad has embraced the youngster, combined with his natural instincts at the scrum base, suggests that the missing piece of the puzzle in Belmore has finally been found. "I think the players around him saw enough to say: You know what, we could win a cup with this guy," Kenty said. With the competition more even than ever, the Bulldogs are perfectly poised to make a significant charge at the back end of the season.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.