LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Rugby league great Gorden Tallis is calling for Maroons coach Billy Slater to make a crucial play to save Queensland in Game 3 against the Blues, likening it to a Hail Mary pass in the dying moments of the game.
Tallis believes that Slater needs to make a tactical move and reach out to a powerful Raiders forward to fill the void left by Josh Papalii's sudden retirement from Origin duties.
Papalii's decision to step down from contention has left the Maroons vulnerable, like a team missing a key player on the field.
After Queensland's disappointing loss to the Blues in Game II, where they were dominated by their opponents, some experts feel that the Maroons lack the toughness and aggression needed to compete at the highest level.
David Riccio of The Daily Telegraph highlighted the absence of a dominant enforcer in the pack, emphasizing the need for someone to step up and take charge.
With the series on the line and Queensland desperate for a win, the pressure is on Slater to make the right call and rally his team to victory.
Will the Maroons find a way to overcome the Blues' bullying tactics and regain their dominance on the field? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - Queensland needs to dig deep and find their fighting spirit if they want to come out on top.