Maroons assistant admits QLD were "bullied" during horrific Game II loss

Queensland State of Origin assistant coach Matt Ballin has admitted the Maroons were “bullied” by the Blues in the horrific Game II loss in Melbourne but says they’ll be ready for the decider at Suncorp Stadium.

Billy Slater’s side were criticized for their lack of physicality during the 38-18 loss at the MCG with Blues enforcers Angus Crichton and Liam Martin in particular giving the Queenslanders nightmares.

Ballin said the issue was discussed amongst the Maroons coaches after loss with comparisons drawn to the 2022 series, where Jarome Luai stood over a concussed Selwyn Cobbo.

“There was mention straight after the game, we sort of spoke about what happened, there was some correlation between that 2022 game and the NSW Blues played a really good game the other night,” he said on Breakfast SENQ.

“They stood over us and bullied us a little bit and we probably didn’t really stand up for ourselves they way we should’ve.

“I’m sure there’ll be a little bit of that mentioned we’ll go over this game and what happened and where we think we went wrong and then we’ll turn our attention to Game III.

“Sometimes in games and reviews, you’ve got to wipe it a little bit from your memory, there’s no point going over it except for a bit of motivation.”

When asked if he could see any signs of Queensland’s disappointing performance coming during camp, Ballin said no and that the team’s preparation was seamless.

“Maybe that’s where you’ve got to have a bit of adversity… But you never go into an Origin game complacent,” he said.

“They had their backs against the wall and we didn’t match them.

“(But) you go into the next game at Suncorp and we know what’s on the line and we’ll be playing for all of Queensland.”

The series decider is at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.