The Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues climbed a mountain to topple Queensland in this year’s State of Origin and coach Brad Fittler has told his players next year will be even tougher after dates were released for the 2019 series.
The Blues ended an Origin drought in 2018 after claiming their first series in four years but face the daunting prospect of beginning their defence of the shield in Brisbane on June 5, heading to Perth for game two on June 23, before returning to Sydney for the final match on July 10.
Fittler said his players had been disappointed after losing the third game of the series this year to miss out on a ‘blue’ rinse, and he had addressed them immediately to inform them they would have to improve in 2019.
“Everyone understood that, and while we really happy with our effort and playing for each other and all that, everyone was a little bit unhappy with what we got on the field,” Fittler said.
“We all know we have to improve. Next year is the harder one.”
2019 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES
Game One: Wednesday 5 June 2019 at Suncorp Stadium Brisbane
Game Two: Sunday 23 June 2019 at Optus Stadium Perth
Game Three: Wednesday 10 July 2019 at ANZ Stadium Sydney
