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Fifita frustrated by lack of Origin ball

NSW forward Andrew Fifita is frustrated he wasn't given more attacking opportunities in the Blues' State of Origin II loss on Wednesday.

Andrew Fifita
Andrew Fifita is frustrated he wasn't given more attacking opportunities in the State of Origin II. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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NSW State of Origin wrecking ball Andrew Fifita was frustrated he wasn't given more attacking opportunities in the Blues' loss on Wednesday.

Queensland successfully targeted the NSW prop in attack in the Maroons' last-ditch 18-16 victory to keep the series alive.

They limited him to just 77 metres - less than half of what he ran in his man-of-the-match Origin I performance in Brisbane.

But the Sharks prop was frustrated with his team's own tactics after the match.

He had 15 runs at ANZ Stadium compared to 18 in the series opener, with not many of them in an attacking position.

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"I wish I got more ball - I feel I never got much ball in that game," Fifita said.

"I was there ready to roll but I was more used as a decoy.

"I know my team and everyone knew I was a marked man but in saying that, I just would have loved to have had some ball and do the job for my team."

Fifita also claimed his attacking exploits were hurt by the Maroons' wrestle.

Queensland were spotted piling four men into every tackle on a man representing Fifita in an opposed session before the match, yelling out his name in defence.

Blues coach Laurie Daley also expressed fears before the match that it could be overtaken by the wrestle, after Queensland's forwards were well beaten in the Blues' 28-4 opening-game victory.

And the newly re-signed Sharks forward said he had fallen victim to that tactic on Wednesday night.

"When I get a quick play the ball, it doesn't help when it's a wrestling match out there," Fifita said.

"It's a credit to Queensland. They were after me, you could tell that. They were sending a pack at me."


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