Phil Gould believes the Queensland Maroons already have the upper hand on NSW in Origin II as the latter prepares to name its side on Tuesday.
Queensland went into camp on Monday, despite the Bulldogs and Eels still yet to play, and coach Billy Slater revealed on Nine's 100% Footy that the side had already completed a review session on game one.
With Origin hopefuls Mitchell Moses, Matt Burton, Tevita Pangai Junior, Josh Addo-Carr and Reagan Campbell-Gillard playing on the King's Birthday, Fittler decided NSW would wait to make its decision, however Gould believes that's a poor move.
READ MORE: Slater makes three changes to Maroons team
READ MORE: Slater shuts down theory behind huge Maroons call
READ MORE: Security tackles golfer after monster putt wins title
"I'm concerned from the get go that Queensland are in camp today and we're not announcing our team until tomorrow," he said on 100% Footy.
"It's a huge advantage, the first 24 hours is crucial, they've been sitting there reviewing and previewing and we're still twiddling our thumbs and haven't got a team yet.
"We won't be getting together until probably Wednesday so you're already giving away two days, it's really important."
100% Footy is now available as a podcast! Subscribe/follow via Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts.
Jeremiah Nanai, Moeaki Fotuaika and Xavier Coates were all named in the Queensland side as replacements for injured trio Selwyn Cobbo, Tom Gilbert and Jai Arrow.
Corey Horsburgh and AJ Brimson have also been brought into the squad as reserves and Gould believes the team is better than the one that played in game one.
"Their side looks stronger, it looks stronger than game one … Nanai, Fotuaika and (Xavier Coates) too, I think he's a far more productive winger," he said.
Watch the 2023 State of Origin series LIVE and exclusive on Channel 9 and 9Now
"Selwyn Cobbo is a brilliant individual talent but Xavier Coates, he's a productive player too.
"He's going to produce from the back field, he's going to produce all over the field, he's a kick target as well.
"I actually think they look stronger, I think these three bring more to the table."
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!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.