MEMO New South Wales: You'll have to try a little harder to worry a resurgent Queensland army.
The Blues have questioned Queensland halfback Scott Prince’s defence – but official stats reveal their own No.7 Peter Wallace trails him in every major category, including missed tackles.
After learning the Titans halfback would be playing, assistant Blues coach Steve Roach said the Blues’ bulky runners would focus on Prince’s "fragile" defence, just as they did to Karmichael Hunt in Origin I.
But Queensland captain Cameron Smith yesterday warned the Blues to target Prince at their own peril in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
Smith declared the 80kg Prince would not only handle anything NSW hit him with, but would play well above his weight.
He said NSW should concern themselves more with how to defend against Prince’s array of attacking tricks rather than worrying about how tough he was.
"Scott is a quality ball player and the form halfback of the competition," said Smith.
"He’s been one of the best halves in the competition and every game he’s played in he’s created havoc with the footy."
NSW will target Prince’s defence and also plan to put the acid on rookie Queensland winger Darius Boyd who’ll have to battle first game Origin nerves.
"Scotty’s played Origin before (three games in 2004) and he’s handled it really well.
"I think he’s an even better player now than when he played the last time.
"I think he’s going to grab this opportunity."
NSW may have Prince in the crosshairs, but their own halfback, Wallace, has been guilty of missing more tackles for Brisbane this season.
Wallace enjoyed a dream debut behind the NSW pack but Queensland plan to show much more early aggression tomorrow.
According to NRL Stats figures, Prince has the edge in almost every key category.
While Prince has missed 30 tackles in 11 NRL appearances, Wallace’s count is 39 in 10 games. Prince boasts 16 try assists, Wallace has nine and Prince also leads him in both line and tackle breaks.
