Queensland coach Kevin Walters admits he is nervous but can’t fault his Maroons side’s self belief ahead of Sunday’s State of Origin II in Perth.
Walters appeared to have little to worry about after confirming his team would be as per program.
The players who were injury doubts – Dylan Napa (broken wrist), Dane Gagai (virus), Kalyn Ponga (calf) and skipper Daly Cherry-Evans (shoulder/ankle) – all took part in Saturday’s captain’s run at Optus Stadium.
But asked if he was nervous, Walters said: “I’m always nervous.
“It’s a big occasion bringing our game over to the west.
“But the belief in this team is something else, it has gone to a new level this week.
“They have a lot of trust in themselves and belief in what they can do here tomorrow night.”
Walters said captain Cherry-Evans was the key to the Maroons’ quiet confidence that they could seal their 12th series win in 14 years on Sunday night.
Walters said Cherry-Evans was primed for his best Origin performance after inspiring Queensland’s 18-14 game one victory in his first game in five weeks since ankle surgery.
“He’s been instrumental in everything. He was particularly inspirational in game one coming back from the injury five weeks out without a game,” Walters said.
“He’s the perfect captain for this group, to bring them together, very articulate, very smart and best of all, he’s a great footballer.
“We haven’t seen the best of him at this level yet, we will see that on Sunday.”
Walters confirmed there would no team changes, backing prop Napa to start despite his fractured wrist.
The Maroons mentor said Napa would be the key to turning around their slow start in the series opener.
Queensland reeled in an 8-0 half-time deficit in game one to draw first blood in the series.
“There will be no changes. I’m looking forward to seeing Dylan Napa,” he said.
“Once the adrenaline starts pumping through his best we will see Dylan’s best performance at Origin level.
“We certainly want to start better. That’s been the focus for us this week, getting out of the blocks a lot better.
“We need to get our starts right and we will do that tomorrow night.”
