Maroons Regroup, No Excuse Losing State of Origin

Fiji National Rugby League’s Game II of the Vanua State of Origin series has evoked a bothersome passion in the Western Maroons camp.

After suffering a humiliating round across all three state teams, Maroons coaching staff have gone back to basics to overturn a possible sweep at this weekend’s Origin II round at Ratu Cakobau Park.

Maroons head coach Vela Tawake has assembled the best team for this round and is adamant that there will be no excuses this time.

“I’m confident in our men’s origin side heading into Game II, we can’t miss this game and my expectation for them is to deliver clean and quality football,” Tawake said.

“They are the best team coming into Origin Week, the focus is to overturn any chance of the Blues making another clean sweep for this round,” he said.

The deciding round looms for the Tawake coached Western State Maroons side with hopes they can also clench on end of the Origin Trophy this weekend.

At the Blues camp, pressure is building to secure their first ever Origin title with early shift to replace Panthers and Sharks players that are called to their clubs for this week’s Vodafone Cup elimination matches.

Blues head coach knows the expectations are not going to be any easier but he’s up for the fight.

“We are expecting a tough one as the opponents will throw in everything they have. We are working on our weakness, obviously it wasn’t our best as well,” Blues head coach Viliame Domo said.

“We’ll be ready for the challenge; Panthers and Sharks have pulled their players out from the Origin II and have left some big shoes to fill for those who will step in to fill the gaps.

“I have spoken to the boys and they understand our goal and the amount of work we need to put in to achieve that goal. We want to secure our first Origin title, we haven’t done that and we have this weekend’s opportunity to cease moment for our State.”

When questioned whether, the gloomy weather or the departure of Panthers and Sharks players will affect the momentum, Domo said: “We are focused and nothing will deter us”.

Both coaches have named the 18-man squad for this Saturday’s clash at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

Tickets to Game II are $10 Adults $5 Kids. Draws: 11.50am Youth U19, 1pm Women Premier, 2.30pm Men Premier.