In his first campaign as the incumbent five-eighth for Queensland, Tom Dearden is quickly learning just how hard winning a State of Origin series can be.
Having made his debut in Queensland’s epic 2022 decider win where he stepped in for Cameron Munster who was ruled out with COVID, Dearden was again called upon to help steer the Maroons around the park for this series, with Munster struck down by a groin injury.
After enjoying a strong series opening win, Dearden – like all of the Maroons team – were outplayed early in Game Two, with the Blues cutting down any time he had with the ball, something he said he was working on improving for the decider.
“I thought in Game Two, I had a bit of an off game, thought I missed a few tackles and probably let the boys down in that defensive part of it,” Dearden said.
“But I am looking to bounce back now and I know that if I can get my defence right first, the rest of my game comes off the back of that.
“We looked at a lot of defensive areas, and we got through it and obviously, it wasn't pretty to watch what happened in Game Two, but it was important that we learn from that.
“We got the start wrong in that first half, and if you hand over that much possession and field position, you will find yourself that far behind on the scoreboard and that's what happened.
“The Blues took really good advantage of some of our poor errors and poor discipline.
“It's important that we fix that up and we start well ... Now, our mentality is just on our preparation and being ready for next Wednesday.
“It's a simple game. You have got to run hard, tackle hard and hold the ball for as long as you can.
“It takes a lot of effort to get that right, (but) it’s a simple game.
“(When you’re) on the back foot the whole time, as halves, our job - and it's something that I'm still learning – is about finding other ways to get your team to create that momentum, whether it's with an early kick or something like that to try and change the momentum of the game.
“I think also you have also got to be patient and not try and go after it too early.
“You have to try and just be patient and build a bit of pressure and earn your momentum back.”
Despite absorbing the lessons from the MCG loss, Dearden was taking a fresh mindset into what is expected to be a sellout next Wednesday and was “absolutely pumped” to be involved.
“I think playing in deciders, it's the pinnacle of rugby league, I am just so excited for the occasion and can't wait," Dearden said.
A decider in Brisbane? Yes please!
“There's always that that extra bit of pressure, it's a big occasion and it's all or nothing. We have to win this game to win the series and know that both sides are going to be very desperate ... but it just makes me that that more excited to get out there and play.
“We know how important it is to play deciders and we know who we're representing, which is the the people of Queensland.
“It's important that we focus on preparing ourselves to go out there and get the job done next Wednesday.”
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 3 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
