FROM THE COACH'S DESK - MAL MENINGA

IN 2006, I took over as coach of the Queensland State of Origin team hoping I could make a difference by changing the belief in the footy side.

To see where we are now after five completed campaigns, well, I could never have imagined how things would turn out.

The players have obviously been instrumental in the success that we have had. They have that self-belief now and the confidence to back themselves, no matter what situation they find themselves in.

Five years ago, I don’t think they had that confidence behind them.

But now, they understand about Origin footy, why it all started, and why playing for Queensland is so important.

When I look back over the past five years, we have had a number of very special moments.

This year’s games were among the most special. If you could write a rugby league script, I don’t think you could do much better than what the boys achieved this year.

In Game I, we didn’t start so well, whereas NSW did by controlling the ball very well. Yet the guys didn’t panic, they played strong and saw the game out.

The same could be said about the second game . We stayed composed and were very professional about the way we approached the game.

Game III was a bit different. The opposition had plenty to prove and played very well.

We had to find another way of winning. We did that by hanging in there and defending really well.

We didn’t get the rub of the green too much in that game, but they produced a win on the back of maturity and patience.

When the opportunity presented itself to take the game, they took it. It was a really special way for us to wrap up the series, winning 3-0.

Those are the types of games you get a lot of satisfaction out of. There was a lot of adversity against them, but they never let it get them down.

They hung on until their moment came, and then knew exactly what to do to make the most of it.

The way they conducted themselves on and off the field was first class. I could not have hoped for a more professional approach and performance than what we got from the boys this year.

Over the course of the five series, if I had to nominate a single game as one that sticks out for me, I would say probably Game II of 2006 – right back at the start.

In Game I of the 2006 series, we got beaten by a field goal, didn’t play terribly well, but basically got lambasted by everyone the next day.

We had to ride that out, and cop the criticism on the chin. We all had to believe in what we were doing and that we were headed in the right direction.

The way we performed in Game II that year was the shot in the arm we needed confidence-wise.

From then on, I think the players realised what is needed to play in a Maroon jersey. Once everything clicked into place mentally, that is when this team could really develop into the champion side it is now.

Queensland is in a very fortunate position at the moment.

A LOT is made, justifiably, about how lucky we are to have such a talented group of players together at the same time.

But I don’t think enough credit is given to the support staff that I am lucky enough to have around me as coach.

This year, we obviously had a number of changes to our personnel, and the success of this year’s campaign is the highest accolade to the skills of the coaching staff in making it a seamless transition.

They all do their jobs so well, they have all had the experience at that level, but they also come with the right mix of skills and attitude that is a real secret weapon of our success.

Michael Hagan and Trevor Gillmeister both inherited senior roles in the coaching regime this year and, just like everyone expected, did a superb job – bringing their passion and skills to very tough jobs.

Mark Hohn also had his first year with the off-field staff, brilliantly stepping up for us at the last minute as team manager.

Despite being new to their respective positions, those three guys – like the rest of the staff – fitted in seamlessly, which is why our preparation was so good, and that showed on the field.

All the best,

Mal