Pride is rarely in short supply in the State of Origin series but it is all that is at stake in Game 3 of the 2016 battle as Queensland have already claimed the shield for an unprecedented 10th time in 11 years when they went 2-0 up in Brisbane three weeks ago.
When the two sides meet for the third and final time in Sydney on Wednesday it will be all about pride. New South Wales won’t want to lose 3-0 having hosted two matches in this series while Queensland would love nothing more to rub it in to their opponents. If you think either side will ease up think again. This is Origin. It doesn’t do easing up.
New South Wales
The Blues have been a shadow of the side their army of fans would have wanted them to be in this series so far. They have been shackled in attack and ultimately they have cracked under pressure defensively. The hope is that with the series gone a young side can come out and give the ball some air and entertain and put some pride back into their jersey.
Paul Gallen is definitely playing his last Origin match here while Robbie Farah could also be saying goodbye to this series here so the Blues will want to send two of their best warriors out with a win even if it won’t be enough to claim the shield for the series win.
Queensland Maroons
Queensland have been ruthless in this series so far. They have been phenomenal in defence, aggressive in attack and when the chances have come to find the try line they have done it nearly every time. Dane Gagai has had a fantastic series and it is all set for them to showcase their talents once again.
Corey Parker has already announced this will be his final game in a maroon shirt and he knows he’ll leave as a series winner but for all Queensland’s dominance in this tussle they have only completed one series whitewash which was in 2010. They can make a little history if they can find the win here.
Team News
New South Wales Blues have made four changes from the side that looked a little out of their depth in Brisbane last time out. The exciting James Tedesco comes in at full back with Josh Dugan moving in at the centre position. Jack Bird and Wade Graham also come in.
Queensland make just the one change from their win last time out. Nate Myles comes back for Josh Maguire having missed the previous match with injury so the Maroons have resisted the urge to make wholesale changes which suggests they are out for the series whitewash.
Betting
We’ve had a good series so far with all three bets winning but I’m not going to push the boat out for bets here given that it is a dead rubber when all is said and done even though both sides will be out for the victory.
Queensland have dominated the series to date and I see no reason why that isn’t going to continue here so I’m with them to land the clean sweep. I’m not for one minute suggesting the changes Laurie Daley has made for the Blues are bad ones but there is an air about the future in them whereas Queensland are all about the here and now.
What is possibly a bigger concern for New South Wales other than the young side they have out is what could still be to come from Queensland. Greg Inglis hasn’t really been seen in the series yet and it is rare he goes all three matches without making an impact.
Experience and current form is firmly on the side of the Queensland Maroons here and that is exactly where my money is going as well.
Tips
Back Queensland to beat New South Wales for a 4/10 stake at 2.20 with Skybet
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