Queensland’s esteemed assistant coach, Johnathan Thurston, has announced that the Maroons will intensify their pressure on Bradman Best in Origin III, in response to the rookie’s fiery remarks last week. Best will be making his debut against the Maroons on Wednesday, stepping in for the injured Tom Trbojevic in the centres. Trbojevic’s season has come to an end after tearing his pectoral muscle.
Best’s inclusion in the Blues squad sparked considerable debate. However, the 21-year-old has proven himself ready to make his mark in the blue jersey, boldly expressing his “hate” for the Maroons during his Origin press conference last week. He stated, “I hate them. You go to school and all you want to do is fight with the boys who support Queensland. I’ve always detested Queensland, and I still do.”
Speaking on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast, Thurston acknowledged that Best’s comments are part and parcel of Origin football. Nonetheless, he cautioned that the NSW rookie would be targeted by the Maroons. Thurston said, “Whenever someone makes their debut, it’s imperative to apply immense pressure on them. I’m certain they will be trying to put the blowtorch on Corey Horsburgh, our Queensland rookie. Undoubtedly, these debutant players will have a target on their backs.”
Don’t miss the live and exclusive coverage of the 2023 State of Origin series on Channel 9 and 9Now.
After the Maroons’ victories in Adelaide and Brisbane, they have successfully retained the State of Origin shield. Now, they aim to achieve an Origin whitewash. The last clean sweep in the series occurred in 2010 when Maroons coaching staff, Billy Slater, Thurston, and Cameron Smith, were all representing Queensland.
Thurston confirmed that the Maroons will bring a renewed level of intensity to the Blues’ home ground and seize every opportunity to secure a victory. From the sideline during Origin I, Thurston passionately asserted, “It will be a momentous occasion for both sides. New South Wales have a lot at stake, and so do we. We have been thoroughly impressed with our boys’ performances…but we need to raise the bar here in (NSW’s) territory. We must match their fire with our own, while adhering to the rules. If we accomplish that, we will give ourselves the best chance to win the game.”
Game three of the series is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday night at Accor Stadium.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
