LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In the recent match, New South Wales lost to Queensland 26-24, highlighting a struggle with self-inflicted errors rather than the opponent's strength.
According to reports, while NSW is more than capable of beating Queensland, their failure to control their own performance led to the loss, preventing them from securing the State of Origin series in Perth.
The first half of the game was described as a "nightmare," in stark contrast to a much-improved second half, resulting in a perplexing outcome.
NSW is favored to win the decider, but the key to their success lies in managing not only their opponents but also their own mistakes.
The match showcased a concerning lack of attention to detail, providing Queensland with the opportunity they needed to level the series.
As one analysis put it, "If it was just one out of the errors, the bad discipline, the missed goals or Nathan Cleary's groin injury, they might have managed to still wrap things up."
In essence, New South Wales' defeat serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of internal issues overshadowing potential victory.