NSW coach Laurie Daley praised his side's effort in Wednesday's State of Origin decider but said they won't beat Queensland next year unless they improve their execution.
Despite having the lion's share of possession, the Blues went down 12-10 to Mal Meninga's side, who chalked up an eighth successive series victory in front of a crowd of more than 83,000 at ANZ Stadium.
Daley cut a disconsolate figure after his team were held out by a heroic defensive display from Queensland.
"Our effort was fantastic and our execution let us down, but I couldn't be more proud," said Daley.
"To come up against a champion side like that and give a performance like that makes me a very proud coach.
"But when you play against a team like this you need to be clinical and when the big moment arrives you need to take it. Unfortunately we didn't take it.
"But at the end of the day it is still another loss and it hurts. For us if we are going to grow and be a better team we can't accept it."
With South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds breathing down his neck after two fantastic years in the NRL, Mitchell Pearce's future must hang in the balance after his kicking game once again failed to fire.
Pearce was under pressure leading into the game and admitted last week he would be unlikely to keep his spot should he fail to lead the Blues to victory.
Daley reiterated his support for the 24-year-old but refused to say if the under-fire Sydney Roosters No.7 would remain his first-choice for next year's series.
The 43-year-old has continued to back Pearce since taking on the job last year but said it was too early to be giving assurances about 2014.
"I think you reassess after every game, but unfortunately for us you have 12 months to wait and a lot can change," he said.
"It's not about the individual it's about sticking with what we want to do.
"I thought Mitch tried hard. It's a big question to ask 12 months away from the next game.
"I have been a big supporter of Mitch and always will be. But when things go wrong he is the guy to always cop it for whatever reason."
Share
