Queensland have the first of two opportunities to win back the State of Origin shield on Sunday when the series takes a unique exit from the two rugby league hotbeds to head to Perth for Game 2 of the 2019 edition.
The Maroons got over the line in front of their own fans in Brisbane and a win here will secure the series. New South Wales will be looking for the victory which would level up proceedings ahead of the decider on their own soil.
Queensland Maroons
Initially in Brisbane it looked like the Maroons would take a little bit of a beating but in the end they managed to turn things around in the second half to get themselves in the ideal position of having drawn first blood. They are likely to need to start better in this game but they should be able to play with a good deal of freedom given that whatever happens here they will get another crack at the series next month.
Where the Maroons deserve the ultimate credit in that first match was their goal line defence which was immense in the latter stages of the contest when it was getting put down to them in no uncertain terms. They kicked very well in that game too so if they can start better here they are entitled to be hard to beat despite the scare in their camp over the weekend.
New South Wales Blues
I would imagine that the Blues will be spewing from letting that opening match slip. They were in complete control in the first half without putting the match to bed and they paid the price for that. They just couldn’t get out defensively for a while and then when they did they tried to force it and ended up conceding an interception try which made their plight even worse.
The real surprise in that first match was how the Blues forwards struggled to get on top of their Maroons counterparts and if they are going to level the series then that is something that will have to change. If they can lay the platform then there is no reason why their backs won’t get the job done and set up a fascinating decider.
New customers, bet £/€20 on the Exchange and if your first bet loses, we’ll refund you £/€20 in Cash. T&Cs apply. 18+|Gamble Aware.
Team News
Queensland Maroons had a health scare with Wests Tigers captain Moses Mbye over the weekend but doctors have passed him fit to play in this second match of the series. Jarrod Wallace and Tim Glasby come into the ranks.
New South Wales Blues coach Brad Fittler was clearly not happy with what he got from his side in the first game as he has made seven changes to his line up. Latrell Mitchell was the big one to make way with Tim Trbojevic coming in. Nathan Cleary also plays.
Betting
I took the New South Wales in the opening match of the series and I was getting ready to count my chips at half time only to watch them implode in the second half which was disappointing to say the least. I do still think they are the better side of the two given the historic Queensland spine is now no longer around so I will chance the Blues again here.
I’m expecting Fittler to have got into his forward pack after their poor display in the first game and with a better showing from that unit I expect them to get the job done in what could be a tight match given the wet conditions in Perth. It is all or nothing for New South Wales here and given how in control they were at half time in that first one I’ve got to think they’ll get the job done here.
Tips
WON – Back New South Wales Blues to beat Queensland Maroons for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Betfred
Back them here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019
