LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a pivotal moment leading up to the historic Origin series win, Westpac NSW Blues coach John Strange expressed dissatisfaction with his team's handling abilities during their final training session.
To address this, he stopped the session, drenched the ball with water, and then had the team practice with it to prepare for the wet conditions expected at State of Origin II.
This preparation paid off, as NSW completed all 21 of their second-half sets and secured a decisive 26-6 victory, marking their first win in Sydney since 2019 and their first series championship since the format was expanded in 2023.
Strange acknowledged the importance of handling in adverse weather conditions, emphasizing the strategic modifications made prior to the match.
He also contemplated rewarding other squad members with selection for the upcoming Origin III but ultimately decided to maintain the successful lineup.
Notably, as rain poured down during warm-ups, Queensland opted to retreat to the sheds, while the Blues stayed on the field to continue their preparations, showcasing their determination and focus.