Confidence the key for Owen as Maroons target series leveller

Maroons centre Rory Owen was targeting a fast start at Suncorp Stadium with Queensland fighting to keep the series alive following their loss in Newcastle in the opening game.

Despite an early setback which saw starting prop Makenzie Weale ruled out with a head knock in the opening minute, the Maroons were able to get off to a strong start, scoring the opening try.

However, the Maroons then made too many errors (11) and conceded too many penalties (seven) to maintain their advantage, with the skillful Blues proving too good with the opportunities presented.

“I think momentum's so important in Origin and we have to get on top early,” Owen said.

“I don't think you really have time in Origin to be coming back and chasing from behind, so we're definitely going to try get in early, get up early and keep there.”

Despite the disappointment of their close 11-6 loss, Owen said the vibe in camp had been positive, with coach Nathan Cross and the playing squad taking plenty of confidence out of the result.

The Parramatta Eels back said with a strong focus at training put on cleaning up their mistakes, Queensland could control their own destiny and push the series out to a decider in Game Three on the Gold Coast.

“(Crossy’s message to the squad has been to) back yourself and back your work,” Owen said.

“We deserve to be here and everything we're doing is right, how we played last (game) is right, and if we just all go in confident, we're definitely going to come out with the win.

“I think we really want to focus on composure and discipline and improving on our game.

“The number of errors we had wasn't good enough, so Crossy's definitely focused about composure and that discipline.

“We'll go into this game definitely looking to make way less errors.

“I definitely think there were so many positives from last game, and that's why we're definitely going into this one super strong and super confident.

“We can win, we know we can win.”

On her own game, Owen – who spent time growing up in Buderim, near where the Maroons have set up camp this campaign – said she was happy with many elements, but wanted to work more to her strengths.

Playing on the left edge, she also wanted to continue improving her connection with winger Julia Robinson, especially to shutdown Blues strike weapon Jess Sergis. 

“Personally, I think last game, my defence was really good, so it's good to have positives," Owen said.

"Just moving into this game, I'm definitely focusing on attack.

“I think it's one of my strengths, so I really want to get into the game with that and show everyone (what I can do).

“Each camp you build your connections ... I'm on the left edge, it's important, my teamwork with the half and then people outside of me like Robbo just building that communication.

“Every camp we get closer together.”