Kalyn Ponga’s selection for Queensland is a calculated risk but Wayne Bennett also says Suncorp Stadium looms as the inspirational 14th man for the Maroons in the State of Origin series decider. Bennett coached Queensland in 25 Origin matches including the 2-1 series win in 2020 when the side won the decider 20-14 at Suncorp Stadium after being written off following a 34-10 thrashing in game two. A similar scenario faces the Maroons this year after copping a 38-18 hiding at the MCG.
“The greatest advantage Queensland has got is Suncorp. The one thing you know is that the crowd will be behind that team,” Bennett said. “That makes such a difference.
It is like playing with 14 guys on the field. The crowd gets engaged and it keeps the players highly motivated. It is fortunate that they get to come back and play that last game here and the stats tell you how dominant we have been in those deciders.
More League “The stats are made up of a number of years of performances and what they are saying is NSW haven’t won many games when it mattered most.” The Blues have won deciders in Brisbane just twice – in 1994 and 2005 – while losing 10 and drawing one. Bennett was at the helm of the 1987 win in the decider at Lang Park and the 2001 victory at QEII Stadium when he famously brought back Allan Langer from England to play in a 40-14 victory.
That was a risk, like playing Ponga. “He is a wonderful player but he has had one game in about three months,” Bennett said. .
