NSW great Paul Gallen says he has never seen Billy Slater as "rattled" as he was after Queensland's game-two loss as he warned the Maroons coach against trying to win a "dogfight" against the Blues pack.
Slater's Queensland side were steamrollered by the NSW forwards in Melbourne, losing 38-18 to send the series to a decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
The Maroons coach has enjoyed a charmed run, winning his first two series in charge and has shown an ability to handle the pressures of the media and team selection.
But Slater's comments in the immediate aftermath of the MCG loss hinted that the Queensland coach was feeling the heat for the first time.
When asked what changes he would make for game three, Slater cryptically replied: "Well, we're from Queensland ... We're still Queenslanders."
Slater and Gallen were long-time adversaries but were Australia teammates and now work together on the Nine Network.
Speaking at the launch of the Beer, Footy and Food Festival at Henson Park on July 27, Gallen said it was easy to see how the Maroons' performance had flawed Slater.
"Billy is the most well-prepared person I've seen in my life, he leaves no stone unturned," Gallen said.
"I just think what happened in game two was off the cuff.
"He had just finished the game, they'd been spanked and he would've had to go talk to his team and he would have been all over the place.
"It was the first time I'd seen him rattled and Billy would probably admit that, it's no knock on the bloke."
Gallen is doubtful if Slater's behaviour would have had any impact on the Queensland players.
The former NSW captain said the Maroons would more likely be concerned with how easily they were dominated by the Blues.
"Only three weeks ago the Blues manhandled Queensland, I think that will be in the back of their minds," Gallen said.
"If the game starts and they get manhandled then they'll be thinking, 'Here we go again'.
"The Blues have a mental edge at the moment and I think if they dominate the middle of the field, Queensland will be looking for a big fella to lead them out of trouble.
"I don't see that (person) at the moment to dominate like Payne Haas or Angus Crichton.
"If it's a dogfight, a hard battle I think the Blues get the job done."
