Can NSW avenge last year’s Origin decider? Or will former Maroons superstar and current master coach Billy Slater lead Queensland to more representative success?
Can the star-studded Blues flex their muscles, or will the discipline of the talented Maroons shine once more?
Queensland vs. NSW
31st May 8:05pm
The most anticipated rivalry in Australian domestic sport will reignite on Wednesday night with the return of the State of Origin, and the big questions are coming thick and fast.
NSW and their power-packed squad will hope to bounce back from last year’s disappointing series loss. They’ll rely on the return of experienced head Josh Addo-Carr, but they’ve already suffered a setback with Latrell Mitchell ruled out with a calf injury. Mitchell’s injury means Stephen Crichton will come into the centre, and Matt Burton will be added as the 18th man.
They’ll welcome three debutantes, including Nicho Hynes, while Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, James Tedesco, and Tom Trbojevic headline their freakishly talented roster.
Conversely, after last year’s result, the Maroons possess incredible confidence, with Ben Hunt’s Game 3 heroics helping them to a surprise 2-1 series victory. Billy Slater proved his credentials as Queensland coach, keeping his side level-headed and ensuring they weren’t dragged into early penalties that often results in unnecessary scoreboard pressure.
Daly Cherry-Evans, Valentine Holmes, David Fifita, and Cameron Munster will lead from the front. At the same time, there’s a real sense of excitement around the inclusion of Brisbane Broncos duo Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo in the #1 and #2 jerseys.
Game 1 will undoubtedly come down to the discipline of both sides, with the experienced Blues squad certain to ruffle the Queenslanders and attempt to throw them off their game.
It’s Origin, it’ll be close. It’ll be tough. It’ll be unbelievably exciting. We’re taking the Blues in a tight one.
Selected Squads:
NSW: James Tedesco, Brian To’o, Tom Trbojevic, Josh Addo-Carr, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Tevita Pangai Junior, Apisai Koroisau, Payne Haas, Tyson Frizell, Hudson Young, Isaah Yeo, Junior Paulo, Cameron Murray, Liam Martin, Nicholas Hynes, Stephen Crichton, Stefano Utoikamanu, Matt Burton.
Queensland: Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Thomas Flegler, Ben Hunt, Lindsay Collins, David Fifita, Tom Gilbert, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, Jai Arrow, Tom Dearden, Christian Welch.
Suggested Bet: J. Addo-Carr anytime try scorer @ $2
