LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has taken responsibility for his team's disappointing first half in their 26-24 defeat to Queensland in State of Origin II.
In the match held in Perth, the Maroons equalized the series 1-1 after establishing a significant lead at halftime, 26-6.
While the Blues initially scored the first try, they struggled dramatically for the remainder of the first half, giving away eight penalties, completing only 56% of their sets, and suffering a troubling 22 missed tackles on defense.
In the second half, the Blues mounted a strong comeback, scoring four consecutive tries and almost accomplishing what would have been a historic turnaround in State of Origin history.
However, Zac Lomax's failure to convert three tries and the team's lackluster performance in the first half ultimately proved decisive, leaving them to reflect on their shortcomings.
A series decider is scheduled for July 9 in Sydney, with the Blues keen to rebound after this setback.