LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Phil Gould, the Canterbury Bulldogs GM of Football and former NSW Blues coach, has urged Queensland coach Billy Slater to shake up the team's spine ahead of Game 2 of the 2025 State of Origin series.
Following a disappointing performance in the opening match, changes are anticipated as Queensland prepares to face NSW in Perth, aiming to avoid losing the series consecutively.
Gould highlighted the need for the inclusion of dummy-half Reed Mahoney, which would mean moving Harry Grant to the interchange bench, a position where Gould believes Grant excels.
He stated, "Harry Grant, his best performances with Queensland have been coming off the bench," emphasizing the potential benefits of this adjustment.
Additionally, Gould suggested considering Parramatta Eels lock J'maine Hopgood and Dolphins utility forward Max Plath, both previously in contention for Game 1 but ultimately not selected.
As the announcement of the squads approaches, the pressure is on Queensland to recalibrate their tactics and personnel for a chance at redemption in the upcoming match.