Big Mal wants his squad to finish strong
MAL Meninga is pursuing a sense of confidence for Queensland’s 2015 campaign as they bid to avoid becoming the fourth Maroons side to suffer a series whitewash.
Steve Mortimer last month said the Blues’ run of success in 1985 and 1986 started by winning Game Three in 1984, a dead rubber in Brisbane.
Meninga does not go so far as to say the 2015 campaign starts tonight, in a game preceded by the QRL saluting their players for an eight- series streak from 2006- 13.
“I like to isolate it ( but) if we play really well and get the outcome we are after in Game Three, it gives us a sense of confidence going into next year,’’ Meninga said.
“We are focused on playing really well in front of a home crowd. I don’t talk in terms of defeat and winning, but in our footy being better and I can’t question our attitude and commitment.’’
There will be turnover next year from Queensland’s series loss, with injured Brent Tate’s future in doubt. But veteran centre Justin Hodges has said he wants to play on for the Maroons.
A new- found confidence has the Blues believing Jarryd Hayne is a better player than Johnathan Thurston and Robbie Farah is the code’s best hooker.
“We are preparing for next year and we are preparing for the future,” Maroons forward Sam Thaiday said.