Maloney: NSW didn’t take its chances

NSW five-eighth James Maloney says the Blue didn’t take advantage of the attacking opportunities they created against Queensland in their Game I loss.

NSW were defeated 6-4 at ANZ Stadium in a close encounter. Each team scored one try in the first half.

Maloney spoke after the game of his frustration.

“It hurts,” he said.

“There wasn’t a whole lot in it. It’s always hard to get points. I think we went away a little bit from our spots to play off.

“We have to be a bit disciplined. We created opportunities we just couldn’t finish it off. It’s frustrating.”

NSW now have to win the next two Origin games to avoid another Queensland series win.

“We’ve got a job ahead of us,” Maloney admitted.

“We’re going up north and it’s going to be ten-fold up there.”

Queensland halfback Jonathan Thurston descrived the match as a “dog-fight”.

“They pushed us for that full 80 minutes,” he said.

“I’m extremely proud of the boys.”