State of Origin: Maroons back to basics against Blues

Queensland coach Mal Meninga admits his all conquering Maroons will have to master the fundamentals to stay alive in the State of Origin series at Lang Park on Wednesday night.

The Maroons must win in Brisbane if they are any hope of securing an eighth straight series win and Meninga admits it will be a challenge.

“We know we have to do better, our attitude has to be spot on and that the effort is there,” he said at the Maroons’ final training session at Lang Park.

“We are up against a very committed New South Wales side who are here to do a job on us.”

Meninga was forced to deliver a few home truths to the Maroons following their 14-6 loss in Origin I to the Blues in Sydney after captain Cameron Smith conceded his side started to believe their own hype.

But Meninga launched a charm offensive on Tuesday after the Blues camp accused their opponents of trying to influence the referees ahead of Origin II.

The Blues want end its 7-year drought in the series.

The match will kick off at 10pm FJ Time tonight.

-ABC