LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Cooper Cronk, a Queensland legend, emphasized that the key to the Maroons' success in the State of Origin decider lies in shutting down Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton.
The New South Wales (NSW) team has effectively utilized their deadly backline, with players like Zac Lomax and Brian To'o making notable contributions in previous matches.
Despite NSW having scored more tries than Queensland in both games, their poor goal-kicking cost them a close 26-24 loss in Perth.
While Mitchell has not scored in either Brisbane or Perth, his impact on the game has been significant, distracting the Queensland defense.
Crichton, often regarded as the best center in the game, scored a try in Perth and assisted in setting up two tries for Lomax during Game 1, proving to be a standout performer.
In the final 40 minutes of Game 2, NSW saw a notable shift, scoring 18 unanswered points as their halves directed play out wide, leaving Queensland with few solutions to counter their backline.
Cronk believes the Maroons must elevate their team tempo beyond what they managed in Game 2 to effectively contain the Blues' attacking capabilities.
He noted that debutants Robert Toia and Gehmat Shibasaki will need to deliver exceptional defensive performances.
"In Game 2, when they were coming, every time they touched the ball, it looked like something was happening," Cronk remarked on Fox Sports.
He stressed that for Queensland to clinch victory, their defense must be relentless, asserting that the first tackle on the centers must be their strongest.
He concluded that for Queensland to win, "those two centers cannot get early effective ball."