Blues Star Angus Crichton Claims Maroons Are Playing Mind Games with Dubious Team Changes

Angus Crichton has expressed his surprise over several of the Queensland Maroons’ selections ahead of game two, suggesting that coach Billy Slater might be indulging in “mind games” with one notable decision leaving the NSW Blues star scratching his head.

Following a lacklustre display in the opening match of the series, Slater made a series of bold decisions, most significantly removing Daly Cherry-Evans from his role as captain and halfback.

Additionally, Queensland opted to drop Beau Fermor and brought in the experienced Kurt Capewell as his replacement.

However, for Crichton—who shone for the Blues in game one and claimed the Wally Lewis Medal last year—the choice to relegate Jeremiah Nanai to the bench was by far the most perplexing move made by Slater and the selectors.

“There are definitely quite a few alterations,” he remarked in an interview with Nine’s Freddy and The Eighth.

“We’re aware they’ll be aiming to bring their best to this match, especially with it being a do-or-die situation for them. We expect them to come fully prepared.

“It’s curious—I’m not convinced that what they’ve announced will actually reflect the side that takes the field. We’ll see on the night who is ultimately out there.

“I was quite taken aback, as I believed Jeremiah was one of their standout performers [in game one].

“Our focus is primarily on ourselves… I have full confidence that we can deliver a strong performance against whoever we face, regardless of who it is.” 

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In an interview with AAP during the training camp, the Roosters star went so far as to suggest the Maroons were engaging in “mind games” by naming both Nanai and Pat Carrigan on the bench.

“There’s no way Nanai will stay on the bench, and I’m not convinced Patty will either,” Crichton commented.

“I think they’re intentionally trying to mess with our minds by putting those names down.”

Reuben Cotter, who filled a back-row position alongside Nanai in the first match, will keep his starting spot, while Trent Loiero has been elevated to the No.13 jersey.

Meanwhile, Kurt Mann is set to make his debut for Queensland in the State of Origin from the bench.

On the other hand, NSW has made only one mandatory alteration to their lineup, with Stefano Utoikamanu stepping into the front-row rotation to replace Mitch Barnett, who is sidelined due to a knee injury.