Wests Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue is unfazed by the latest speculation surrounding team selection for Origin II and only has eyes on the 80 minutes against Melbourne on the Sunshine Coast.
The Queensland representative is aware Maroons coach Paul Green is likely to make changes for the Suncorp Stadium clash following the heavy defeat in Game One, but Ofahengaue said his sole focus is on Wests Tigers until after the full-time siren on Saturday.
“We lost by 50 so I think he [Green] is going to make some changes. I haven’t heard from him yet,” Ofahengaue said
“Right now, I’m focused on putting in the best performance this week and trying to get the win against the Storm. We’ve got 80 minutes to focus on.”
Following last week’s disappointing loss against Parramatta, Ofahengaue admitted he didn’t play to his capabilities and said the team was far from impressed with their performance.
“I just want to do my job because last week I wasn’t too happy with my performance. This week we need to be better and put our halves in better positions to score points,” the forward said.
“We learnt some tough lesson last week, like making silly errors out oof yardage. Any opportunity we get in their 20 (metres), we’re going to have to take it because when you play against good team like the Storm, you don’t get too many opportunities.”
“I’ve got to go out there and go after their front rowers. I’ve got to go at their middle because they’re going to come at us.”
Ofahengaue is looking forward to the challenge against the defending premiers and ladder leaders this week, labelling the Storm the ‘benchmark’ of the competition.
“This week we’re going to have to compete against them. They’re a really competitive team and we’re building towards that,” he said.
“They just find a way, and they’re always competitive, that’s what we’re striving to be. Each week we’re learning, and this week is going to be a big test for us.”
