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“Prove it”: Voss' blunt message for under-pressure Blues
Charles Goodsir • July 8th, 2025 12:12 pm
SEN’s Andrew Voss is adamant that the NSW Blues’ 2025 State of Origin campaign can be described as a failure if they are unable to win the Game III decider in Sydney on Wednesday night.
The Blues were heavy favourites entering the series and after victory in Game I at Suncorp Stadium, it was expected that NSW would wrap the series in Perth in Game II. Despite a valiant fightback in the second half, a poor first half meant the Queensland Maroons forced a deciding game in Sydney.
Whilst Voss conceded NSW were the better side, he believes that has not been reflected on the field and questions will be asked of the NSW halves pairing if the side can’t retain the Origin shield.
“NSW have got to dominate. They just have to,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“NSW have not played well in this series bar the first half of Game I.
“They have put in three pretty average to moderate halves. They are under enormous pressure.
“It’s fine to say that NSW have the bigger and better side. Prove it. Otherwise, it’s a fail.
“If they don’t get the team playing at their best, on the back of a third 10-day camp which is close to 30 days, (it's a disaster). That’s enough time to click and gel.
“I need NSW to play well and I need to see Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have eight to nine out of 10 games.
“Collectively, Luai and Cleary are under pressure. They are tied at the hip.”
Some of the Blues’ big name players enter Game III under serious injury clouds with forward Payne Haas and winger Brian To’o in doubt for the decider.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio is uncertain that both men will be available for NSW.
"I'm not convinced (they are playing) until I see them run out,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Being up at Origin camp, they have done nothing. They have both done very little.
“Brian has done some work and Payne finished the session on his stomach getting his back treated.
“This is his back that received injections only 10 days ago. Once we finish Origin, it will be interesting to see how they manage this at the Brisbane Broncos.
“The Blues are talking this down and say that both players will play.
“I’ll believe it when I see them run out.”
Tune in from 7pm AEST time for live commentary from Accor Stadium in Sydney. Featuring Jimmy Smith, Justin Horo and Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold
BLUES RADIO: Tune in from 7pm AEST on SEN 1170AM to listen to Blues Radio hosted by Joel Caine and featuring Brett Kimmorley
MAROONS RADIO: Tune in from 7pm AEST to listen to Maroons Radio on SENQ 693AM and SEN 1620AM Gold Coast hosted by Mark Braybrook and featuring Corey Parker and Jarrod Wallace
