Mal Meninga: Queensland's NRL teams step up when it counts FOR all of the changes we have seen in rugby league over the past 100-odd years, the key ingredient for success has remained the same: attitude. The game is now a fully professional sport that uses the latest in technology and sports science in the preparation for and recovery from matches, but ultimately the success or otherwise of a team's performance comes down to the mindset of those who play. Heading into the semi-finals, we have already seen a number of teams lift their intensity as they start building for the end of the season. That is to be expected of the top teams. Having a team "peaking" at the right end of the season is one the hardest challenges for any coaching staff. But we have also seen a dramatic shift in attitude in recent weeks from clubs at the next level down - most notably our three Queensland clubs. At certain stages this year, the Broncos, Titans and Cowboys have all looked like they had lost their way. But their application in the past couple of weeks has been reflected in their performances. Brisbane was solid again against Parramatta on Friday night, and is fighting hard to save its season. Many expected the loss of Justin Hodges last week would be the end of the Broncos, but they are currently playing with a determined attitude, and that is making all the difference. The news that some members of the team would not be required next season, and others would be fighting to save their positions, seems to have galvanised the Broncos players, and given them something to play for. Maroons coach Mal Meninga has a laugh with the media. Mentally, they have switched on and it shows. The Cowboys are the same. We all had high hopes for the Cowboys this season, because we know how brilliant they can be as individuals and collectively when their minds are on the job. But it took the news of Neil Henry's sacking to finally flick the switch. Some of their performances in the past few weeks have been examples of the Cowboys at their best. Neil's sacking was not pleasant. If only the players had switched on earlier, he may have been saved. But games are won on the field, not on paper. The Titans too looked to be adrift after a series of successive losses, but they made everyone sit up and take notice last week with a win over the Bulldogs that was built on mental toughness. The Titans had half a dozen of their best players out, but they went to Sydney and toughed out a win against one of the better teams in the competition. Because they wanted it more. All the highlights as North Queensland take on the Titans in Townsville. It is amazing what attitude does. When players have a purpose, when they are desperate and committed, it is amazing what can happen - no matter which team you are playing for, whether you are at the top of the ladder or the bottom. Ultimately a team's performance will come down to its players - if they want to play well, then they will do so. When their personal pride is at stake, that fear of personal failure, individuals can move mountains. The challenge for the coach is being able to extract that mental application over the course of a long season, or at the very least, for the games that matter most. The top four have done that consistently by setting their performance levels high - not being satisfied with mediocrity, or using excuses. All three of the Queensland teams rediscovered their mental toughness after being given a kick in the pants - by looking likely to miss the eight. They all needed to find another gear. That gear wasn't going to be natural talent, because they all have that. It came down to the attitude of the players and their commitment to each other. Other teams, like Penrith, Warriors and Canberra are at the other end of the equation. They are faltering at the moment when it matters, and they don't seem mentally switched on to the common goal. They will most likely miss the eight, predominately because their attitude - in particular when it comes to defence. We all know that is where games are won and lost. There is no doubt these teams have the talent, but mentally the players have not been prepared to step up the way the three Queensland clubs have. Once again, it's turning out to be one hell of a finish to the season. That is why we love this game.