EXCLUSIVE: Yeo's Origin warning after Blues' rollercoaster Game 1 escape
Isaah Yeo has acknowledged that the Blues have substantial work ahead of them before Game 2 of the State of Origin series, despite their thrilling 22-20 comeback victory over Queensland in Sydney on Wednesday night.
As captain of the NSW Blues, Yeo guided a team that experienced two vastly different matches within 80 minutes: one chaotic and filled with mistakes, while the other showcased resilience and composure when it mattered most.
The first half proved to be a challenge for NSW from the very beginning.
They struggled with errors while attempting to exit their defensive zone, and midway through the half, they hadn't completed an offensive set, having surrendered possession three times within their own 30 meters.
Queensland took full advantage, sprinting to a 20-0 lead in just seven minutes, leaving the Blues on the brink of a crushing defeat before a shocked Sydney crowd.
Post-match, Yeo reflected on how grim things appeared during that phase of the game.
Despite the mounting scoreboard pressure, Yeo emphasized the importance of keeping the team composed and preventing frustration from escalating into further errors. He admitted that the Blues struggled to regain control early on.
"I try to stay as calm as I can, although it might not have been working too much because we kept compounding it, but I just love the fight," he shared about his approach as a captain during tense moments.
"I love that we can get a try in that first half that steadied the ship a little bit, and then the second half, we were able to control that period where Kalyn was sent off."