'Do you want to be remembered': Daley's challenge to Blues

Blues coach Laurie Daley has challenged his players to write their names in history by winning the State of Origin series in a decider at Suncorp Stadium after a second half implosion at the MCG.

After mounting the biggest comeback in Origin history to triumph 22-20 in the opening game at Accor Stadium, the Blues appeared on track to win the series when they led 12-8 at halftime.

However, they had no answers to Queensland’s second half blitz and lost 44-24, with the Maroons scoring three converted tries while Kotoni Staggs was in the sinbin for a late shot on Kalyn Ponga.

The defeat raised obvious questions about changes for Origin III in Brisbane on July 7, with the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Liam Martin, Tom Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu, Bradman Best and Blayke Brailey among the possible new faces.

However, Daley said the Blues had given themselves two chances to regain the Origin Shield by winning Game One and they now had the chance to create history.  

“I think it's just a wonderful challenge, for you as footy player and for you individually as a team,” Daley said.

“How good do you want to be? Do you want to be remembered? Win a series up there in a decider, and you'll be remembered for all time. That's the challenge that awaits.

“That's the advantage of winning Game One. You've still got to win two (games) and we were off the mark tonight, but it's a challenge and the boys should be excited about it because it's a great opportunity.”

After focusing heavily on reversing a worrying trend of slow starts, in which they had conceded 68 points to 12 in the first half of their previous three Origins and trailed 20-0 in Game One, the Blues dominated much of the first half.

But the Maroons went to another level after the break and scored some brilliant tries as their spine of Kalyn Ponga, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker and Harry Grant took control.

The NSW right edge of Dylan Lucas, Staggs and Mark Nawaqanitawase was found wanting in defence against Ponga, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo, who finished with a hat-trick of tries.

“Queensland were very good, as we always know they always will be, but we just missed the mark, so we're going to have a real good look at ourselves and come up with the answers, which I'm sure we will,” Daley said.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to go up to Queensland and try to win the series. Origins are all different and I think there were some good things out in the first half that we did.

“We just weren't consistent enough with what we did throughout 80 minutes, Queensland stuck to what they know and do well, and once momentum happens in this game, things turn pretty quickly.

“While we're disappointed, you don't lose trust and faith in guys. You know what they are capable of doing. They just have to do it.”