EXCLUSIVE: Darren Lockyer Identifies Queensland’s Weakness Revealed by DCE Omission Following Tense Game Two Victory

Despite clinching a narrow victory in game two to keep the series alive, the Maroons still have significant areas for improvement, according to Darren Lockyer.

After a lacklustre showing in the series opener, Queensland made a comeback with a 26-24 triumph last Wednesday night in Perth, against a backdrop of inclement weather.

Billy Slater’s team surged to a substantial halftime lead but was forced to hold on in the tense closing minutes against a resurgent Blues side.

Although NSW managed five tries to Queensland’s four, their efforts were undermined by Zac Lomax’s struggles with goal-kicking, as he successfully converted only two of his attempts.

While the outcome squared the series at one win each, leading to a decisive match in Sydney next month, the Maroons’ performance over the full 80 minutes was less than flawless.

Lockyer acknowledged that the decision to bench Daly Cherry-Evans from both his halfback and captain roles ultimately proved beneficial, yet some aspects of his game left a noticeable gap for Queensland.

The Queensland selector admitted the fresh halves combination of Tom Dearden and Cameron Munster missed critical opportunities, which resulted in a “nerve-wracking” finish.

“The commentary and crowd’s reaction at halftime made it feel as though the game was secured, but I knew that wasn’t true,” he shared on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.

“Post-halftime, it was evident that they had lowered their intensity.

“Without the experience of someone like Daly Cherry-Evans on the field, I anticipated that could pose a problem.”

“From a game management perspective, Tom is still honing his skills.

“Even with a 20-point lead, you still need someone to steer the ship … I felt we were guilty of glancing at the scoreboard and easing off.”

“Full credit to NSW, I always believed they would fight back – but that final 10 minutes was incredibly tense.”

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Dearden capped off his performance with a try assist, made 26 tackles, all successful, and completed three kicks for a total of 101 metres. Meanwhile, Munster was the standout for Queensland, racking up a team-high 130 run metres and one linebreak in a Man of the Match display.

With the series still finely poised, Lockyer is keen for both playmakers to adopt a safer style of football if they regain the lead.

“I believe that being up by 20 points at halftime gives you the opportunity to play smart, perhaps kicking the ball downfield repeatedly and maintaining that advantage,” he stated.

“Eventually, the scoreboard pressure can weigh heavily on the opposition. When in front, it’s usually wise to play this way, though I didn’t observe enough of that in the second half.”

As the decider approaches at Accor Stadium on July 9, Queensland are not anticipated to make any changes, while there is speculation surrounding the Blues’ front-row rotation after Stefano Utoikamanu’s performance did not ignite the team.

Keaon Koloamatangi and Terrell May have been mentioned as potential replacements as game three draws nearer.