The NSW assistant coach has been in camp all week working alongside new Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce, who has replaced the injured Nathan Cleary for the decider against Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
PEARCE IN OUR TIME
State of Origins are never won because of one player, but the player who will be watched more than any other tonight is Mitchell, who has been recalled into the team at the age of 30.
He has reached that part of his career when the lightbulb suddenly goes off. Hes had a multitude of coaches at every level telling him from an early age how to play the game.
Suddenly, it all makes sense. He realises what theyre talking about.
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What Ive noticed most since he joined the squad last Wednesday night is how calm he has been.
When things arent going well for Mitchell, you can tell: hes a bit ratty around the edges and it is reflected in his performance. Ive had a fair bit to do with him over his whole career and he seems settled, ready for this moment.
Helping hand: Andrew Johns talks tactics with Mitchell Pearce at Blues training.Credit:NRL Photos
What has struck me this week at training is how much Mitchell and five-eighth James Maloney still have such a strong understanding of how each other play.
They won a competition together at the Roosters in 2013 and the strong bond formed between them back then is evident on the training paddock now. Both have dominant voices. Both know what the other will do.
I wont give Mitchell too much advice before he runs out. Hes ready to go. He knows whats expected of him. Whether he knows it or not, hes been working his whole life towards this moment.
START ME UP
So here we go: The Decider! Its all on the line. The first 20 minutes is critical in all big games but more than ever in one like this.
Relaxed: Pearce's demeanour this time around is in marked difference to previous Origin series.Credit:Wolter Peeters
You can work all week on set moves and plays that isolate and expose a defender. But you need to make them tired enough to clock off and make a bad defensive decision. You have to wear them down and thats why the start is so important.
In the first game, Queensland completed over 90 per cent of their sets in the first 20 minutes. The big challenge for them is trying to reproduce that effort again but this time away from their home turf, before 80,000 Blues fans, in a deciding match.
Queensland have lost troops because of injuries but NSW looks like a really well-balanced team.
Around the ruck is the real threat, starting with the speed of Damien Cook and then James Tedesco. In game one, they punched holes in Queensland but we didnt capitalise on the many opportunities they created.
In game two, Cook picked his times. He was patient. Its what we call “running smarts”. People say, Oh you should run more. Its not about running more but running at that right times.
BEWARE THE WOUNDED CANETOAD
This is exactly where they like to be. This is what the Maroons feed on.
Go over history and see how many times theyve been outsiders in deciders and see how many they have won.
I know what the tone of their camp will be: nobody gives us a chance, we play for each other, all that kind of stuff. Nobody should be taking a NSW victory for granted. We haven't been.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Queensland arent stronger with Cameron Munster at fullback. You can never replace someone with the skill and unpredictability of Kalyn Ponga, who haRead More – Source
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