SEN’s Cameron Smith believes NSW must improve on their kicking game if they are any hope of levelling the State of Origin series in Perth.
Blues halfback Nathan Cleary, who is renowned for his kicking, was targeted by Queensland’s forwards in Wednesday's 10-16 loss and struggled to stamp his authority on the game.
Smith, who is an assistant coach for the Maroons, said that stifling Cleary’s influence from his boot was one of the biggest priorities for his side and integral in securing a tense win.
“He’s a great kicker under pressure because he works hard at that part of his game,” Smith said on SEN 1170 The Captain’s Run.
“There was some okay kick pressure in the first half (from Queensland).
“In the second half, Queensland got to him when he was kicking the ball.
“Which meant that the back three for Queensland, particularly Kalyn Ponga, he was able to get the ball into really good field position.
“Queensland could transition straight from defence into attack.
“We had to (go to work on Cleary).”
In addition to nullifying the Blues’ kicking, Maroons five-eighth Cameron Munster was sublime and a big factor in the win for Queensland.
Smith said that NSW could not allow Munster to have the dominance that enjoyed in Game I for the remainder of the series.
“The crucial plays he made last night were outstanding,” Smith said.
“He gave NSW all sorts of issues when he had the ball in his hands.”
State of Origin moves to Perth for Game II on June 26.