The Queensland Maroons decisively defeated the NSW Blues in the second game of the State of Origin series, winning 44-24 and setting up a thrilling decider at Suncorp Stadium for Game 3.
To make matters worse for the Blues, their first match victory came about through a miraculous send-off, otherwise, they could be staring at a potential clean sweep.
Given the puzzling coaching choices from Laurie Daley in terms of selection and in-game decisions, here are five critical changes he must implement to secure the series victory.
One of the most bewildering decisions for Game 2 was leaving out the current premier back rower, Haumole Olakau'atu of the Manly Sea Eagles. He led the metre count in Game 1 for the Blues forwards and displayed levels of dominance rarely seen since the heyday of Jason Taumalolo, yet he was excluded from the top 19 for the second match.
Daley chose Dylan Lucas to play the entire eighty minutes for NSW, but he struggled to make an impact, managing only eight runs for 53 metres. Reports post-Game 1 suggested that poor line speed and kick-chase were reasons for Olakau'atu's omission, but it's hard to accept given his strong performance in his starting debut.
At the MCG, the Blues desperately needed a strong presence, and while Victor Radley aimed to fill that role, he ultimately fell short, incurring penalties at critical moments.
Olakau'atu must rejoin the right edge for the decider, applying pressure on opposing back rower Kurt Capewell and five-eighth Cameron Munster. Although Lucas wasn't ineffective, Olakau'atu's potential was missed in Game 2, much to the relief of Munster and coach Billy Slater.
Olakau'atu has the upcoming matches against the Bulldogs and Storm to demonstrate he is the right choice to confront the Maroons' powerhouse, and he will undoubtedly rise to the occasion.
While many advocated for this in Game 2, it's now even clearer: Cameron Murray's pace and quick play-the-ball efficiency are essential for the Blues. Isaah Yeo should be positioned in the front row rather than Mitch Barnett.