'Get the win and go to Sydney two up': Gillett's Origin call
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Maroons veteran Matt Gillett insists Queensland will go for the jugular as they attempt to wrap up the State of Origin series against a hungry NSW side on Sunday.
The 30-year-old flew into Perth ahead of the clash with the Blues at Optus Stadium with a broken nose and bruised face after leaving the field for an HIA in the Broncos loss to the Eels on Saturday night.
Gillett said he was "very surprised" that the Blues dropped star centre Latrell Mitchell from the side that lost 18-14 in game one at Suncorp Stadium but added that the seven new NSW players would leave nothing in the tank.
The Maroons struggled to contain Damien Cook in the early stages of game one. Gillett said his side need a stronger start in their bid to ensure game three of the series is a dead rubber.
"That is the plan, to get the win and go to Sydney two up. With the way we prepared last time we have to improve on that and be better," Gillett said.
"It was a tight game at Suncorp Stadium. They got off to an early start and we were eight points down. Cook, out of dummy half, was pretty hard to handle so definitely [we must improve] our starts to the game.
"There are a lot of changes [to NSW] which gives people opportunities in their side. You talk to anyone that represents their state and when they get that jersey they are excited. They are going to be playing with energy and enthusiasm."
Gillett insisted his facial injury would not prevent him lining up on Sunday night.
"I’m fairly lucky for the size of the snoz that I have got this far. It is my first broken nose but it is all good," he said.
"It is what it is. It can't get any worse."
The Maroons have recalled Jarrod Wallace and Tim Glasby to their 17 for Sunday's clash in the wake of injuries to Joe Ofahengaue and Jai Arrow, with Dylan Napa elevated to the starting lineup.
"[Wallace] has been putting his hand up and letting his footy do the talking so it is great he is back in the side, and Timmy Glasby as well," Gillett said.
"We know what Timmy is going to give and what sort of player he is. He is very good with all the effort areas in the game and we can rely on him. Those two boys come onto the bench and are ready to rip in."
Glasby, 30, has not lost a game for the Maroons in his three Origin appearances and said he had big shoes to fill coming in for Ofahengaue on the bench.
"Joe did a great job in game one. I thought he was fantastic. He made some real impact with his carries and I thought his defence was really good as well so there is a big job for us coming off the bench," Glasby said.
"I was 18th man in the last game and disappointed to miss out on the team. I’m still very grateful to be a part of it. It means a lot."
