We need to be better: Maguire

Westpac NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has dismissed the 20-point win in Game Two of the Ampol State of Origin series with a simple message ahead of tomorrow night’s Game Three decider.

“We need to be better,” he told the media as NSW finished off its preparations today with the traditional Captain’s Run at Suncorp Stadium.

“Any performance with a team you’ve got to continually look forward and change.

“I’ve never seen any two games the same.

“You prepare for the potentials (of opposition) and then you prepare for what we can do.

“The players have had a really good prep and it’s about using that now in moments of games.”

Centre Bradman Best has also passed all the tests and sessions he needed to do.

“He’s been really good. The last couple of training sessions he’s fitted in so well,” Maguire said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Bradman just do what he needs to do for his teammates.

“He’s obviously had the experience of last year so he understands what this arena brings. He’s really looking forward to playing.”

History and Game Three statistics for NSW at Suncorp Stadium aren’t kind.

There have been 12 deciders at Suncorp since Origin became a series in 1983.  The Blues have won just two of those — in 1994 and 2005.

Closer to home, NSW conceded nine penalties in the 38-18 Game Two win.

“The numbers don’t lie but it’s how we control things – that’s up to us,” Maguire said.

“Obviously it’s interesting numbers but we’ll be out to control what we can.”

Maguire invited True Blues, who had played in an Origin decider, into camp last night for a meal and talk with the 2024 group at Caxton Street – the famous hotel and restaurant area within easy walking distance of Suncorp Stadium.

“I think the confidence they’ve been able to give us about what we need to do, which is the style we want to play, we’ll definitely utilise tomorrow,” Maguire said.

Captain Jake Trbojevic said the stories of True Blues Des Hasler, Chris Johns and Greg Bird has been well received.

“Three past legends of the Blues, so it was a really nice night and a great catch-up,” Trbojevic said.

“They passed on words of encouragement – they just really want us to do well which is nice to have so many people behind us. Hopefully we can go out and do them all proud.”