ORIGIN: KEV BRINGS IN THE AXE
QUEENSLAND have turned to Maroons tackling legend Trevor “The Axe” Gillmeister to sharpen-up their shaky right-edge defence for Origin III this Wednesday night.
The Maroons conceded all three tries on their right side in the 18-14 loss in Game Two at ANZ Stadium, condemning Queensland to their second series loss in 13 years.
Queensland’s right-edge was also exposed in the series opener at the MCG, with Felise Kaufusi and Ben Hunt caught out as NSW fullback James Tedesco scored the first try of the 2018 campaign.
Queensland triumvirate Kaufusi, Hunt and Will Chambers have had defensive moments to forget in the opening two games.
Kaufusi missed seven tackles in Origin I, Hunt gave away a penalty try in Game Two and Chambers has been tormented by NSW rival Latrell Mitchell in both games.
It has prompted coach Kevin Walters to seek the tactical and technical wisdom of Gillmeister, a 22-game Maroons stalwart revered as one of the most feared defensive hitters in Origin history.
“The Axe Gillmeister has been helping us this week,” said Kaufusi, who plays his third Origin game in the Suncorp dead-rubber.
“He does a lot of stuff with us defensively, and techniquewise he has been a massive help.
“(Gillmeister) has been making sure I don’t just throw my arm out and that I get my shoulder into them. If your shoulder goes through the rest will follow.”
Kaufusi has learnt some harsh lessons in his maiden Origin series.
While he is renowned for his clever line-running in attack at club side Melbourne, the NRL premiership-winning back-rower admits he needs to improve in defence in Origin III.
“I pride myself on going out there and making my tackles,” he said. “But NSW scored a couple of tries which we are not happy about.”