Despite the 38-10 numerical drubbing in the Origin series opener, NSW showed a few promising signs – but Jarome Luai’s style of attack was not one of them.

Penrith’s No.6 can simply not continue to dance around the defensive line whenever he gets his hands on the ball.

The sideways skip is to explore the opposition’s structure and exploit any fatigued front-rowers, but Origin is not the place for it because there’s no space for it.

Three post-contact metres in 11 runs tells the tale. He tallied 53 run metres all up – statisticians must now count horizontal gains.

While not the only problem in the Blues’ attack, Luai’s antics almost always destroyed any go-forward.

The attack lacked a lot of direction and structure, as Nicho Hynes was often seen waiting for a runner, going on to charge into the line due to a shortage of options.

Meanwhile Luai put the left edge to a standstill when taking possession of the pill, leaving Brian To’o with little opportunity.

Given Joseph Suaalii was absent for 73 minutes after his send-off, Luai wasn’t blessed with an abundance of choice around him. Yet, scrambling across the face of Queensland’s defensive line when in the opposition 20 can not happen – especially with a man down.

Queensland were gifted with valuable seconds to realign their defence and communication, leaving the Blues flat-footed and furthermore, without their secondary playmaker when Luai often took the ball into contact after finding no holes.

Luai missed nine tackles and failed to show glimpses of his premiership experience, turning in one try assist from a lucky grubber.

In a role where the free-running five-eighth has seven Origin caps, Luai looked afraid and ambivalent. It’s the reason he must make way for Mitchell Moses to partner Hynes in game two: Hynes as five-eighth and Moses as the general. NSW were without a voice, especially when Jake Trbojevic only plays 29 minutes. What was the go there?

Moses provides a strong option with the boot and can take the heat off Hynes – allowing the Sharks leader to play the type of football he does at clubland.

It might not be a given winning solution, but the Blues desperately need some structure and a veteran halfback who can bark orders.

Known for hoisting a boombox on his shoulder, Luai couldn’t make a noise on ground. But maybe after that performance he too doesn’t have work in the morning – not state duties anyway.

Hynes ran the ball 13 more times than his halves counterpart and for nearly an additional 70 metres. Yes, the halfback struggled – although he did show sparks. Most notably a settled cross-kick to high flyer Zac Lomax, who performed valiantly in his Origin debut.

In a second half where many Blues players showed some ticker, Luai was uncharacteristically quiet – his hot head may have helped inspire some aggression and camaraderie.

His opposition pivot ran the same amount of times – more than doubling in run metres. Tom Dearden also had five tackle breaks, which highlights the power of running a distinct line and backing your speed.

The small-statured tough-nut also pumped his legs for 24 post-contact metres, rather remarkable given his matchups against the likes of Haumole Olakau’atu and Stephen Crichton.

Luai’s laissez-faire running style may work at Penrith beside the imposing Nathan Cleary who calls all the shots, although the best halves must be able to adapt and show awareness of their situation.

Diddling around from left to right has no place in an outfit with 12 men.

Proud may have been Michael Maguire’s description of the team in the post-match press conference, but he will know deep down that a change in the halves is crucial to turn this series around.

Daly Cherry-Evans’ class once again prevailed. The 35-year-old does it time and time again. It’s a type of halves consistency NSW have no grip on.

Moses pick up the phone, and while you’re at it, hook up your bluetooth – it’s your turn on the speaker.