If Blues lose series, NSW should clear the decks … from Trodden and Daley down

Amateur hour. It’s a phrase used to describe a performance that displays a disappointing lack of skill, professionalism or sound judgment.

NSW’s performance in Origin II ticked every one of those boxes.

Yes, they’re a team of professional footballers, backed by a professional staff, but that’s only on paper. When facing a blowtorch, the Blues collectively left their practicing certificates at the team hotel.

As for sound judgment, it begins and ends at the selection table. And that’s where it ended for the Blues.

Quite rightly, there will be all hell to pay for coach Laurie Daley and his crew of advisers, whoever they are. They will be hiding under rocks today, hoping someone pinpoints others as the villains.

In the second half at the MCG, Queensland threw a party, piling on 36 points. A rejuvenated Selwyn Cobbo turned in close to a perfect-10 performance. He played like the star he was always destined to be, now that he has escaped the strange and confining surroundings of the Broncos and found greener pastures just north of Brisbane at the Dolphins.

Halfback Sam Walker was born for this stage. A prodigy out of the famous Queensland Walker family, he’s been expertly handled at the Roosters under Trent Robinson. An off-the-cuff genius, his instincts are now paired perfectly with the structure needed by a first-class half to keep a team on the same page.

As for Harry Grant and Cam Munster, well, Origin doesn’t seem to be a high-pressure environment for them. They look like a pair of Gen Z individuals on a Bali blowout or in a European summer club. They couldn’t have more fun if they tried.

Collectively, Queensland are like an indie band on the road, seeking adventure at every turn, exposing the Blues as ageing rockers with a stagnant set list.

Maybe this Blues team laced with premiership winners just isn’t good enough.

James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Payne Haas … they are all amazing players. Under Daley, unfortunately, they don’t fire. And never have. He’s won one of six series and, in three weeks, it will be one from seven.

To avoid that fate, many changes must be made to freshen up the team.

Tedesco, thanks for the memories. Dylan Edwards is a must at fullback, if only to ignite the Panthers combination of To’o, Cleary and Yeo.

Their old bandmate Stephen Crichton, if fit, has to come back into the centres. As does Latrell Mitchell – again, if fit.

Fitness permitting, throw in Tom Trbojevic on the wing, too. Why not? There’s nothing to lose.

Mitchell Moses will be lucky to hold out Ethan Strange. Leave team management