‘Definitely not broken’: Maroons coach’s battle cry ahead of Game Three

It’s been an Origin series to forget for not just Paul Green, but the entire state of Queensland.

A 50-6 shellacking at the hands of NSW in Game One was compounded by the Blues’ 26-0 shutout of the Maroons at Suncorp Stadium in Game Two, and gifted the Blues a 2-0 lead and the 2021 series.

However, Green insists that despite the combined 76-6 scoreline his team are on the wrong side of, the Maroons are still a resolute outfit.

“We’re definitely not broken, that’s for sure,” Green told NRL 360.

“At times of adversity, it doesn’t build character, it reveals it.

“Everything I can go on so far this week, the boys have got a certain determination about them.

“But words will count for little. What will matter most is how we play tomorrow night.”

Cherry-Evans cut a despondent figure after the Maroons lost 26-0 in Game Two. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source:Getty Images

One player that won’t be contributing on the field is Jai Arrow, who was expelled from the Maroons camp after breaking the NRL’s bubble rules by bringing a woman back to the team’s hotel.

As a result of his breach of the league’s biosecurity rules, the South Sydney Rabbitohs forward was handed a two-game suspension and a $35,000 fine to boot.

Add that to a 14-day isolation period, and it paints a grim picture for the 26-year-old.

However, Green asserted the debacle has had little impact on his side’s preparations ahead of the Origin finale.

“We’ve spoken about it, we’ve dealt with it, we’ve moved on,” Green said.

“Understanding it was a pretty big mistake, it’s regrettable.”

Arrow was expelled from the Maroons’ camp after breaking the league’s biosecurity rules. Picture NRL ImagesSource:Supplied

The frightening prospect of losing all three games on Queensland soil is all too real, but Green believes his side have played better than the scoreline reflects and are a good chance of maintaining some sense of pride.

“You can look at the score and think that we just weren’t in it, but that’s not the case,” Green said.

“We’ve created opportunities but so far we’ve failed to capitalise on those opportunities.

“Origin’s about moments, and so far we just haven’t taken our moments. Tomorrow night, we’ve got to go after the game and when those moments come up, we’ve got to take them.

“Simple as that.”

Originally published asEmbattled Maroons coach issues defiant response

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