Origin reveals Storm’s potency

WEDNESDAY’S State of Origin decider was, as most predicted, a game for the ages. But despite the expectations of many NSW hopefuls, it was more of the same.

A record Suncorp Stadium crowd witnessed yet another remarkable Queensland victory that sent a shudder down the spine of Blues supporters.

But while some queries may have been solved by the stunning result, many more questions are left unanswered.

Winning 11 of the past 12 series, Queensland has seemingly killed off the rep career of another coach – the fourth in those dozen years. But who replaces Laurie Daley?

Following 18 games for the Blues and not a single series win to show for it, halfback Mitchell Pearce is destined for a future in club footy. Who, though, jumps into that No.7 jersey with authority, and confidence?

After game one of this series many – me included – sung the praises of NSW prop Andrew Fifita. But, quite obviously, one frost does not make a winter.

And Queensland, going into the decider without Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford and Corey Oates, was assumed to be searching in a cupboard almost bare. But any good shopper will attest that shiny labels don’t always divulge the quality of the contents.

Yet while State of Origin III bared much about both teams and several individuals, the game gave birth to an inescapable question – can any team seriously pose a threat to Melbourne for the NRL premiership trophy?

With the magical trio of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith back together and playing as well as they ever have, and the Storm sitting at least two points clear at the top of the ladder after its bye this weekend, it is nigh on unbackable.

But this team is more than just the “big three”, as the cool, calm and collected Cameron Munster revealed on Wednesday night. Most good judges knew the kid could play, but his composure was something to behold.

Add to that list fellow Maroons Will Chambers and Tim Glasby, New Zealand’s two premier forwards Jesse Bromwich and Tohu Harris, the quickest wingers in the game in Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr, plus the Origin shadows Felise Kaufusi and Dale Finucane, and Melbourne looks invincible.