'Belief as strong as ever': Blues aiming to defy Origin history

Blues players have vowed to create history by becoming the first NSW team to overcome a series opening loss by triumphing in Brisbane in Origin II before winning the decider.

After surrendering an 18-16 lead in the final 10 minutes to succumb 24-18 at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night, Brad Fittler’s Blues must do what no other NSW team has done since the first Origin series in 1982.

“It’s been 41 years since we've clawed back a series in Queensland, but the belief is still as strong as ever and I am really keen to get it back out there and make amends for it,” second-rower Liam Martin said.

“We have obviously given ourselves a big job, but I am really looking forward to it and we are all going to embrace it.”

Fellow back-rower Tyson Frizell added: “It's definitely going to be a tough ask to go up there and beat them, but there's no reason why we can't do it.

“Origin is three games for a reason and there's two games to go so that's what we need to look forward to”.

Martin and Frizell were arguably NSW’s best players in Adelaide and the latter was denied a first half try that the Blues camp believe could have changed the momentum of the game.

Frizell insisted he had scored but said the Maroons had made better of their chances late in the match.

“I thought it was pretty clear in the first footage that went up to the bunker but look, it’s footy and you don't get every call that you want,” Frizell said.

“Even though I thought I might have scored, it wasn't a try and that's not the reason why we lost.

“It’s Origin footy, you can have all the momentum and then it only takes one moment to change it.

“I thought we were pretty good to get ourselves in a position to win and they were just too good in the last 10 minutes. They took their opportunities and they scored on most of their opportunities, which is a credit to them.”

Frizell played the first 70 minutes and watched from the sideline as the Maroons scored two late tries while down to just 12 men after Tom Flegler was sinbinned and with Tom Gilbert (shoulder), Selwyn Cobbo (hip) and Murray Taulagi (HIA) off the field.

“The game's not over until it's over. It's different to your regular footy, it's Origin footy and these things happen,” Frizell said.

“You only need one moment to be able to clinch a lead or change momentum. That’s why it's the toughest game and why everyone wants to be a part of it.

“The wins are hard to come by no matter what position you are in, whether you are in front or you have got all of the momentum, it can just switch.”

Martin came off the bench in the 20th minute and helped shift momentum NSW’s way after Queensland had scored the opening two tries.

His combination with the other five Penrith players – Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton - as well as former Panthers hooker Api Koroisau was a feature of the NSW attack. 

 "It's great getting the opportunity to play with the boys,” he said.

“Me and Nate have been together since under 18s and you just know where they're going to be so it's a great having them out there. It makes you feel more comfortable, and I love playing with those boys

“Api killed it and to be back playing with him you just realise how good he is and what he can do. He played 80 minutes and he didn't stop so he was pretty incredible.

“We missed a couple of moments and that was disappointing, but I was pretty happy with the game and we take confidence out of it.”