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Phil Gould believes the Queensland Maroons already have the upper hand on NSW ahead of Origin II.
Queensland went into camp on Monday, despite the Bulldogs and Eels playing on Monday afternoon, and coach Billy Slater revealed on Nine’s 100% Footy that the side had already completed a review session on game one.
With Mitchell Moses and Josh Addo-Carr – as well as other Blues hopefuls who didn’t get picked in Matt Burton, Tevita Pangai Jr, and Reagan Campbell-Gillard – playing on the King’s Birthday, Fittler decided NSW would wait to make its decision, however Gould believes that was a poor move.
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“I’m concerned from the get go that Queensland are in camp today and we’re not announcing our team until tomorrow,” he said on 100% Footy.
“It’s a huge advantage, the first 24 hours is crucial, they’ve been sitting there reviewing and previewing and we’re still twiddling our thumbs and haven’t got a team yet.
“We won’t be getting together until probably Wednesday so you’re already giving away two days, it’s really important.”
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Jeremiah Nanai, Moeaki Fotuaika and Xavier Coates were all named in the Queensland side as replacements for injured trio Selwyn Cobbo, Tom Gilbert and Jai Arrow.
Corey Horsburgh and AJ Brimson have also been brought into the squad as reserves and Gould believes the team is better than the one that played in game one.
Fotuaika selection explained
“Their side looks stronger, it looks stronger than game one … Nanai, Fotuaika and (Xavier Coates) too, I think he’s a far more productive winger,” he said.
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“Selwyn Cobbo is a brilliant individual talent but Xavier Coates, he’s a productive player too.
“He’s going to produce from the back field, he’s going to produce all over the field, he’s a kick target as well.
“I actually think they look stronger, I think these three bring more to the table.”
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