Legendary NSW hooker Danny Buderus says the Blues believe they can finally match Queensland for spark at the ruck by deploying a one-two punch at No.9.
The Blues will head into Wednesday’s dead rubber State of Origin match at Accor Stadium set on using two hookers for the first time this series.
Api Koroisau was the sole dummy-half in the Game I loss, while the Blues’ plan to use Reece Robson and Damien Cook alongside each other went out the window in Game II when the latter was forced to fill in at centre for 77 minutes.
Such a situation should be avoided in Game III with Clint Gutherson offering utility value on the bench should an outside back go down with injury.
That should give the Blues a chance to match the dynamic combination of Harry Grant and Ben Hunt which has helped steer the Maroons to two-straight series wins.
“I think sometimes (as a hooker) you need to have that rest so you can maximise the opportunities you get in the middle when the opposition tire,” Blues assistant coach Buderus said.
“We just didn’t have that. Reece had the opportunity to play heads up but with all the defensive workload and all that intensity (it was taken out of him).
“If you can bring someone who is a top-class No. 9, it creates more opportunity for your team.”
The use of two hookers have been an increasing trend across the game since the advent of the six-again rule in 2020, but the Blues have rarely chosen to go down that path.
Buderus said it was a luxury but not a necessity in the modern era.
“It’s great to do that but as you saw in Game II you have to roll the dice with it as well," he said.
“Ideally it’s good to have two hookers. Queensland have the luxury of playing Hunt at lock as well which they’ve done successfully.
“We’re excited to have two hookers but it won’t be what wins us the game. There are other options we need to take to make sure we get the victory.”
