The biggest and best rivalry in Australian rugby league continues on Wednesday morning when the New South Wales Blues host the Queensland Maroons as another State of Origin series gets underway in Melbourne.
The famous MCG will be packed to the rafters as the Blues look to regain the Shield from the Maroons and with both sides completely changed from last year there is the opportunity for a new dynasty to be created.
New South Wales
It has been a pretty rough trot for the Blues in recent seasons. There was the one high spot but really they have been swimming against the tide for too long. There is a feeling that this year it might be different though. Brad Fittler has taken the reins and he is well enough thought of to command respect in the dressing room.
The other reason why the Blues are optimistic heading into this series is they have home advantage in two of the matches. They also have a squad that is not battled scarred like previous ones may have been so there is plenty to be hopeful about for Blues fans. They look very strong right across the park it might be said.
Queensland Maroons
One of the strongest recent records in sport is the one that the Queensland Maroons have in this series over the last 10-15 years but that era of dominance could be disappearing. They players who go out onto the park for them across these three matches will be charged with the goal of making sure it doesn’t of course.
There are a number of mainstays in the Maroons’ side that are no longer around and their replacements will need to adjust and work out the intensity of these battles pretty quickly if Queensland are to upset the odds. One thing that is guaranteed from any Maroons side is a never say die attitude and who knows how far that can take them.
Team News
The Blues have 11 debutants in their squad for this match with star players such as Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary given the chance to show what they can do. The two James’ Tedesco and Maloney could be key.
There is no longer any of Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith or Johnathan Thurston for the Queensland Maroons and if that wasn’t bad enough Billy Slater misses the opener because of injury. Michael Morgan could move back to full-back although we’ve seen Greg Inglis and Valentine Holmes play there in the past.
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Betting
As with most Origin matches the battle of the forwards may well determine the outcome of it but I don’t think New South Wales need to win the forwards battle to come out on top here. As long as they are competitive in that part of the contest they have two distinct advantages for me.
The first of those is the insane pace and quality of their back line which ultimately is where the tries predominantly come from and the other huge advantage they have is in the kicking game, particularly goal kicking and with Origin openers often tight affairs converting four into six could be decisive. All things being equal I think NSW have enough going for them that they can cover six points especially with Slater out.
Tips
WON – Back New South Wales (-6) to beat Queensland for a 4/10 stake at 2.05 with Betfair
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