Phil Gould has absolutely torched NSW's performance in their 44-24 loss to Queensland in State of Origin II, saying the Blues were 'just terrible' and lacked the courage to match the Maroons.
Speaking on Nine's commentary after Wednesday night's game at the MCG, the Blues' most successful Origin coach didn't mince words. 'When it comes down to it, this NSW side can't beat Queensland unless it dominates possession and field position,' Gould said.
'The second half proved that – 36 points in 40 minutes of football when you've got a chance to close the series out and send them home empty. You don't want to kick them while they're down, but they were just terrible.'
NSW actually led 12-8 at half-time. Then the wheels fell off. Queensland ran in 36 second-half points, with Kotoni Staggs' sin-bin only adding to the Blues' misery – they'd already leaked four tries before he was sent.
Gould was scathing about the difference between the two sides. 'There's no doubt in the world that when they get good possession, Queensland are far better than NSW in attacking situations. They're more courageous with the ball, they're more skilful, they're more willing to support play and throw those passes and kick the ball on early tackles.'
He contrasted that with NSW's approach: 'When NSW is ultra-conservative, ultra-structured, it was a little bit more ball movement in the first half in their own half of the field, which served them well.' But it didn't last.
Gould also had a message for the Blues' selection panel ahead of game three in Brisbane. 'I've got some advice for them: stop listening to advice. Stop listening to people in the media. Stop listening to experts on panels. Stop reading papers and sit down, analyse the game, get a game plan together and pick a team that can execute the game plan.'
'Very frustrating our selection process, I'm afraid. Stop taking advice from people.'
Blues great Andrew Johns has already called for South Sydney skipper Cameron Murray to start game three instead of coming off the bench. Murray's ball-playing helped set up Mitch Barnett's try in the 77th minute, and he's got the fastest play-the-ball in the NRL. But Gould wouldn't weigh in on specific changes, saying Wednesday night was 'not the night to be looking at selections'.
Coach Laurie Daley now has two club rounds to figure out his squad for the decider at Suncorp Stadium. If they lose that, Queensland take the shield. If they win, the series is level. Either way, Gould's verdict is already in: this NSW side, as it stands, isn't good enough.