Losing in Brisbane was a bit of a let-down after having so much to celebrate winning the State of Origin shield back.
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The celebrations were low-key and there was a feeling of disappointment in the room when all the players gathered into the early hours of Thursday morning.
NSW had so much work to do in defence and it was clear Slater, Inglis, Hodges and Thurston had a bee in their bonnets.
In the back of their minds, our blokes knew the series was already won and the Queenslanders had a point to prove.
Still, Paul Gallen taking the shield back to Sydney with the team is a special moment and the start of a shift in expectation for the Blues.
They're all determined not to be a one-hit wonder and make sure they return next year better than ever.
Being a bit flat after losing on Wednesday, it's a difficult task for the Origin players to pick themselves up for their NRL clubs.
There's a few walking wounded and those who aren't have to deal with it emotionally after putting so much into the Origin series.
NRL coaches should be prepared to allow these guys a week off, because they'll be better for it heading towards the finals series.