How the Maroons can control NSW’s ‘dangerous’ backline…

Today at 07:47

Queensland Maroons legend Cameron Smith has identified new New South Wales half duo Mitchell Moses and Jarome Luai as the keys to an attacking barrage from the Blues in Game II in Melbourne.

Blues coach Michael Maguire selected a more powerful attacking side to try to keep the series alive after what Smith believed was a “defensive-minded” side in the Origin opener, which Queensland won.

While Luai retained his spot, Parramatta halfback Moses returns to the Origin arena and Smith said NSW had put the duo together with the aim of breaking the Maroons’ defence.

“Well, (Maguire) will have to be more attack-oriented, there’s no doubt about that,” Smith said on Breakfast SENQ.

“We talked about that in the build-up to the first game, it was a very defensive-minded football team, who relied heavily on their back five to make good meters for them from their own end and defend their way to a win (and) minimize the points Queensland scored.

“This time they have to look for points and that’s why they chose guys like Mitch Moses.

“He has a strong kicking game and can try to keep Queensland in their own half for most of the match. Plus, he loves football, just like Luai.”

“I believe Luai is one of the form players in the league to be honest, especially over the last month his form at Penrith has been incredible.

“In Nathan Cleary’s absence he has played a few games with the seven on his back and his involvement has increased enormously.

“There’s no doubt that this is a much more dangerous side than what we saw in Game I.”

Smith said the way Queensland contain the Blues forward pack would go a long way to nullifying the NSW star backline led by Luai and Moses.

“It’s just a matter of how we go about it in our defence. If we can slow down their middle forwards, control the speed of the ruck and give our defensive line the opportunity to get up and get those guys on the outside to manage, I think we can do that.” It will be fine,” he said.

SEN’s coverage of State of Origin Game II at the MCG starts at 7pm on Wednesday.