Queensland Maroons vs. New South Wales
Suncorp Stadium
31 May 8.00pm
It’s one of the biggest games on the rugby league calendar and one that certainly needs no introduction. Game 1 of the 2017 State Of Origin series is upon us, and fans are arguably in for on of the toughest Origin series we’ve seen in recent history.
The Maroons turned a few heads with some surprise selections while sticking true to their theme of ‘loyalty’, while the Blues have opted to combine their youth with experience and also re-call some familiar faces into their squad for the Series opener.
Queensland’s biggest shock decision was the exclusion of Maroon legend Billy Slater, naming incumbent Test fullback Darius Boyd to hold on to the No.1 jersey, despite the form of Slater sparking hype of a potential re-call to the Origin arena.
Future Immortal Jonathan Thurston ended speculation of a possible late inclusion after being ruled out of Game 1 due to a ongoing shoulder injury, which is expected to sideline him for a further two weeks.
Having played every Origin since his debut in 2005 (36 appearances), his omission will see Bronco’s livewire Anthony Milford make his debut in the coveted Number 6 jersey.
Roosters hard-hitter Dylan Napa has also been named to make his debut in Game 1 replacing injured Cowboys enforcer Matt Scott who will miss the Series through injury.
Laurie Daley’s selections were always going to stir significant debate with a host of players demanding selection due to their form of the first 11 Round of the NRL, and none more-so than Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce, with the maligned halfback named to partner James Maloney in the halves for the first time since 2015.
Pearce’s form for the Roosters has undoubtedly been hard to ignore, with the 15-time NSW Blue in career-best form. His ability to close out games in clutch moments throughout 2017 and his winning combination with Maloney the two biggest factors in his selection.
James Tedesco has been named at fullback despite a slight dip in form, while superstar Jarryd Hayne has been named at left-centre, re-igniting his Origin career after leading the Blues to a Series victory in 2014.
Bulldogs Veteran Brett Morris has also been re-called to the side for the first time since the 2015 series, with the reliable finisher named on the wing in the place of Tom Trbojevic, who was expected to make his debut before a horror leg injury cut his chances.
Why NSW can win: Their forwards
NSW have struggled to find a solid mix of youth and experience in recent years, however Daley’s balance of youth, experience and form has arguably seen him name the most threatening side to halt Queensland’s dominance.
NSW forward’s have significantly more impact in comparison to Queensland’s ageing forward pack, with the likes of new captain Boyd Cordner leading the way alongside Josh Jackson, who was named NSW Player of the Series in 2016. Jackson’s selection
Cordner’s selection as Captain for NSW came as no surprise, with the Roosters co-captain arguably in career-best form and his leadership credentials being enthused by a host of past and present Origin players. Expect Cordner to leave from the front with his carries up the middle-third, and his fellow forward’s to follow suit with some barnstorming runs through Queensland’s pack.
Aaron Woods has had a roller-coaster year with off-field drama’s interfering with his on-field performances, but no-one can argue his commitment to NSW and his performances in recent series. Expect a huge performance from Woods to silence his critics, who will work well with Andrew Fifita who will be brimming with confidence following his re-call to the Test Arena.
Significant impact will be provided off the bench with the likes of David Klemmer, Jake Trbojevic and Wade Graham named to cause havoc around the tired Queensland defence, particularly in the second-half when momentum swings could ultimately determine the end result. Watch for Jack Bird to come on in a lock role, with the Sharks centre tipped to be used as another forward if injuries don’t cruel the NSW side throughout the contest.
Why QLD can win: Experience
A lot of scrutiny has come around some selections in their Top 17, but no one can question the amount of talent that the Maroons boast. Having won 10 of the past 11 Origin series, the core of the side has remained consistent throughout their victories, with the only change being Jonathan Thurston who has been ruled out through injury.
Nonetheless, it’s hard to ignore their spine with Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Darius Boyd all being proven performers, considering the incumbent Australian fullback, halfback and Hooker will be taking the field in-front of their home fans at Suncorp Stadium.
Relishing the home ground advantage, they will be primed to silence their critics with a big performance, and are no doubt among the best clutch players in the game with their key decision making in crucial stages a significant contribution to their success in the Origin arena.
Cronk and Smiths kicking game will be instrumental in influencing how the game pans out, particularly when attempting to force pressure on NSW with their astute short-kicking game and last tackle options.
Their experience doesn’t fall short at their spine, with Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire named in the back-row, with the Bronco’s contingent in sublime form for their club and being known as proven performers when representing Queensland.
History: There’s no surprise in saying that Queensland have comfortably won seven of their past eight games at Suncorp Stadium, but NSW will be full of confidence following their last-gasp win in Game 3 last year. Queensland have taken out five of the past seven first games, but have only by a biggest margin of eight points.
Teams:
Queensland Maroons: 1. Darius Boyd, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Justin O’Neill, 5. Dane Gagai, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Dylan Napa, 9. Cameron Smith (C), 10. Nate Myles, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Josh McGuire. Interchange: 14. Michael Morgan, 15. Sam Thaiday, 16. Aidan Guerra, 17. Jacob Lillyman.
NSW Blues: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Blake Ferguson, 3. Josh Dugan, 4. Jarryd Hayne, 5. Brett Morris, 6. James Maloney, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Andrew Fifita, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Boyd Cordner (c), 13. Tyson Frizell. Interchange: 14. David Klemmer, 15. Wade Graham, 16. Jake Trbojevic, 17. Jack Bird. Extended bench: 18 Matt Moylan, 19 Jordan McLean, 20 Jack De Belin
Tip: It’s hard to go past Queensland considering their significant success at Suncorp Stadium, but a wave of momentum is behind NSW considering their Game 3 victory last year and the quiet confidence in their young players and experienced campaigners. NSW by 4 in a famous victory.
Best Bet: NSW 1-12 $2.75
First Tryscorer: Josh Dugan $13
Odds: Queensland $1.95 NSW $1.87
Words: Andre Cupido
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