NSW prop Junior Paulo has warned Queensland the Blues won't be 'nice' this time
NSW prop Junior Paulo has warned Queensland the Blues are no longer prepared to play the role of ‘Mr Nice Guy’ as they aim to square the State of Origin series in Perth on Sunday.
The words of Blues assistant coach Greg Alexander hit home for Paulo when NSW were described as being “too nice” in the 16-10 loss to Queensland in this year’s series opener in Sydney.
The Blues weren’t willing to test the patience of referee Ashley Klein, who will also officiate game two, by lying over Queensland at the ruck.
But after a stern reminder, Paulo said the Blues were under no illusion as to what they needed to do at Optus Stadium.
“Brandy’s right, we came into camp and reviewed that first game and it’s definitely around the ruck where we can improve,” Paulo said.
“We gave Queensland a lot of opportunities to attack and we’ve got to find ways to slow them down.
“You always do (take criticism personally) and want to use it as motivation heading into a game.
“His words were right and you want to own your job in the middle.”
Queensland were so dominant in game one only one Blues forward – Payne Haas – clocked up more than 100 metres with the ball in hand.
Paulo, usually one of the best forwards at setting the tone at club level with Parramatta, only managed 27 metres from five carries.
“We lost the game in the middle and you’ve got to take ownership when that’s your position,” Paulo said.
“You’ve got to be able to put the team on the front foot by laying a platform.”
Part of that may revolve around Paulo’s implementation as an impact forward in game one by NSW coach Brad Fittler.
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has usually started Paulo, allowing him to set the tempo and bust through opposition defences with the added threat of a deft offloading game.
None more so was that evidenced than in their win over the Sydney Roosters on Saturday with Paulo clocking up a season-high 230 metres.
Since his second stint at the Eels began in 2019, Paulo has only started off the bench on three occasions.
“It’s the role I’ve got to play and I’ve got to nail my job,” Paulo said.
“I’ve got to find ways I can be better heading into this game. You want to address that straight away and get your mind focussed on owning your job.
“You’ve just got to want to get out there and have an early tackle or touch to get yourself into the groove.
“You’ve got to generate ruck speed and that comes from running hard.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Good luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
37 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
37 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
2 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
37 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
49 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
37 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
37 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
37 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
37 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to comments