SEN’s Joel Caine has declared that the NSW Blues are “absolute morals” to level the series in Perth in Game II on Sunday.
The Blues were upset 16-10 in Game I in Sydney as the issues in the ruck plus a lack of aggression and mongrel became apparent.
Caine believes that a number of factors including the Blues’ preparation and missing Queenslanders will result in a double-digit win for Brad Fittler’s men.
“NSW, ladies and gentlemen, are absolute morals (to win Game II),” Caine said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“Reuben Cotter is out and this bloke came up with 51 tackles and 14 carries and it can’t be replicated so he is a massive out.
“Motivation is also a clear factor and seven of the last 11 teams that has lost (the opening match) has gone on to win Origin II.
“It’s also about the one-percenters and acclimatising (to the conditions).
“You have got to get over there early in Perth and that’s exactly what Brad Fittler has done.”
Despite a poor showing in the opening match in Sydney, Fittler has added more Penrith players and a former Panther in Matt Burton to make his debut.
Caine is adamant that the Panthers representatives will lift in Perth and show why they have the best system in all of rugby league for this must-win clash.
“Nathan Cleary was a six out of 10 (in Game I) and he doesn’t do that two times in a row so he’s going to have a blinder,” he said.
“Isaah Yeo was clearly off the bit and he was concussed.
“In the last two and half years, Api Koroisau with Yeo and Cleary in the side have lost just four games; it’s unbelievable.
“NSW will win by a minimum of 12.”
NSW will try to square the series when they play Queensland in Game II on June 26.