COACH'S CORNER: Examining NSW's Missed Opportunities Against 13 Men

State of Origin tends to provoke exaggerated reactions.

After just one match, players are hailed as champions, coaches are lauded as masterminds, and referees become targets for criticism.

The discussions following NSW's incredible comeback in Origin One have mainly revolved around Kalyn Ponga's contentious send-off.

While Queensland fans assert that Ashley Klein spoiled the match, NSW supporters argue that justice prevailed. The reality, as is often the case, likely falls somewhere in between.

My focus, however, extends beyond the send-off itself, and I explored this topic further on this week's episode of The Loose Carry Podcast. I am particularly intrigued by what unfolded thereafter.

In the opening hour of the match, NSW resembled a team stuck in the 1990s.

They adhered strictly to a game plan, even as opportunities arose, courtesy of Queensland's defense.

Given the modern pace of the game, NSW frequently played the ball with one Queensland player down, while two others were still in disarray. This situation left the defense vulnerable, ironically with one fewer defender. More often than not, their defensive line was unprepared.

Yet once Ponga was sent off, NSW finally recognized the available space, and they displayed a response typical of teams forced to claw back into contention.