‘Queensland’s baby’: Gould’s grim Origin admission

Phil Gould believes State of Origin not being the “pinnacle” for New South Wales players is to blame for a second-straight series defeat to Queensland.

Gould, who is the most successful Origin coach in NSW history, made the stunning assessment after Billy Slater’s side took an unassailable 2-0 lead in this year’s series with a comprehensive 32-6 mauling of the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.

Slater emphasised the passion his players have for the iconic Maroons jersey in the aftermath of his side’s win, and Gould suggested it was a feeling the Blues sorely lack.

READ MORE: Just eight Blues safe as Freddy’s men face overhaul

READ MORE: Maroons claim Origin title despite Blues winning game two

EXCLUSIVE: Chappell whacks Cummins critics after winning move

“Queensland as a state is so together around Origin. It’s all about Queensland,” he told Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus podcast.

“The young Queenslanders grow up wanting to play for Queensland, this is the pinnacle of their career.

“We like to think it’s like that for NSW, but (it’s) not necessarily. It’s an add-on to their career, it’s a bonus to their career.

“Since 2005 Queensland have been extremely dominant, and NSW haven’t quite hit the mark.”

Watch the 2023 State of Origin series LIVE and exclusive on Channel 9 and 9Now.

After a brief period which saw the Blues win three of four series under Brad Fittler, they’ve now lost three of the last four series, with the last two Queensland wins coming under Slater’s guidance.

Gould questioned the togetherness of the entire state of NSW, saying it needs to look towards Queensland to figure out what to improve on.

Six Tackles with Gus: Origin II review

“I just don’t know sometimes whether or not we’re as together as a state around Origin as we need to be,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ll ever be as together as a state around Origin as Queensland is. I say it regularly, Origin is about Queensland.

“If you want to know what NSW should do, watch Queensland, observe Queensland. Not just on the field but off the field.

“I don’t think our state invests as heavily in that, and that’s why it is Queensland’s baby, it always has been. Origin is about Queensland.”

Fittler’s Blues will look to avoid being the first team to be swept in an Origin series since Craig Bellamy’s 2010 Blues when they converge on Sydney for the series finale on July 12.

For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!

State of Origin II 2023 in pictures: All the colour of the Blues v Maroons game two