The second game of the 2018 State Of Origin series will kick off on Sunday night at ANZ Stadium with the NSW Blues going into the match as red hot favourites over the QLD Maroons after their Game 1 defeat in Melbourne. View the teams and odds as well as our tips and value bets for the match which looks to be another cracking contest.
When: 19:40 | Sunday 24/06/2018
Where: ANZ Stadium, Homebush
Watch ?: Channel 9 in HD
Bet ?: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
It was 17 years ago in 2001 when we saw the last Origin game played on a Sunday and it was the magical return of the great Alfie Langer.
As a game, we have been trying to find a better solution to this taxing period for our players and this Sunday we will witness a stand-alone all-important Origin game 2.
What a game this is shaping up to be.
The build-up has already started and before we know it, the game will upon us.
Traditionally a 10-day camp before the game has now been cut to just a seven-day camp which from a player’s point of view would feel like more of a club game build-up.
I was never involved in any build-up like this but I think it definitely limits the preparation that you’re able to do particularly with players coming into camp that are carrying injuries.
Both teams lost key players from this.
I mentioned this game is a thriller and I mean that.
It’s a carbon copy to the situation NSW found themselves in last year and we all know how that panned out.
The question is have they learn’t their lesson?
There was no doubt over the 80-minute period in game 1 they were the more dominant side particularly through the middle third of the field.
One thing I know though is that Queensland will be much better in this area and although they were beaten, they provided enough opportunities but failed to capitalise.
These are the main areas I believe Queensland will need to much better than NSW.
Tighten the ruck up and in the big ones capitalise on everything.
I love the way the left edge of the Queensland asked plenty of questions through Munster and Inglis and would like them to exploit that a little more.
I thought there was some real value in getting early ball to GI on James Roberts one-on-one down short sides.
Include the great Billy Slater in the mix here and now it’s a genuine threat.
His inclusion will be invaluable.
Not just because of the brilliance he poses in attack but his communication and organising in defence, particularly with the tight forwards in the middle area in which I’m sure NSW will again look to exploit.
As I mentioned, injury has hit both sides and I feel if you’re comparing apples with apples, Queensland were probably dealt the worst hand.
Losing Michael Morgan and possibly Dylan Napa could prove a real game-changer.
Queensland’s forward stocks are down as it is.
Morgan had a fantastic game at fullback, again showing his versatility.
As for the Blues, losing Regan Campbell-Gillard is a blow but they have the luxury and depth to cover his loss.
The player included which I think all the NRL community are eager to watch is Kalyn Ponga (pictured above) who has undoubtedly earned his selection.
I’m not sure exactly how and when he’ll be used but I think we all agree he’ll be a revelation on the big stage.
I expect NSW to adopt a similar game plan to the first one.
That being one with quick ruck speed off the back of some crafty play, trying to expose Queensland in the middle and then playing off the back of that through the likes of James Maloney and Nathan Cleary.
Queensland need an enormous effort all night with their wrestle and numbers in the tackle to limit this.
As for Queensland, look for them to work over the edge defence of NSW who when tested in game 1 looked vulnerable.
I thought Felise Kaufusi caused plenty of headaches in this area and on the other side Cameron Munster and GI are dynamic.
While this is all going on, I would love to see Ben Hunt take the line on a lot more.
He only managed to do this three times in game 1 and I think we’ll see him really pick this up in this area.
KEY BATTLE: Nathan Cleary v Ben Hunt
Both players in great form at club land and both had solid games in game 1, however they need to take this game to another level.
I love when Hunt starts asking questions of the forwards and I’ve got no doubt he’ll have a licence to run this game.
Cleary is definitely not the runner like Hunt but he has a great kicking game that will need to be spot on if they are to stay in control.
He can’t afford to hand off cheap possession like he did on a few occasions in Melbourne.
The Verdict
So, the stage is set with NSW in the box seat, exactly how Queensland like it.
Underdogs again
Look for a fast starting, energetic Queensland outfit to really take charge in this one or a least that’s what I’m hoping for.
Of course, my allegiance is with the Maroons and it will be great to see a decider back up in Queensland for game 3.
I think this one will be a real tussle and again provide plenty of talking points.
NSW to win in a close one.
Unibet Odds:
Odds:
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Tip: NSW Blues at $1.36
Value BET: First Try Scorer: Josh Addo-Carr at $8.50
OFFERS ??: Claim the Biggest Origin Offers via this link!
Teams:
NSW BLUES: Josh Addo-Carr, Nathan Cleary, Damien Cook, Boyd Cordner (c), Angus Crichton, Jack de Belin, Tyson Frizell, Ryan James, Luke Keary, David Klemmer, James Maloney, Latrell Mitchell, Tyrone Peachey, Matt Prior, James Roberts, Tariq Sims, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Paul Vaughan.
QLD MAROONS: Jai Arrow, Will Chambers, Gavin Cooper, Dane Gagai, Tim Glasby, Coen Hess, Valentine Holmes, Ben Hunt, Greg Inglis (c), Felise Kaufusi, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Cameron Munster, Dylan Napa, Josh Papalii, Kalyn Ponga, Billy Slater, Jarrod Wallace.
News:
Queensland coach Kevin Walters expects prop Dylan Napa to overcome an ankle injury and play Sunday’s must-win State of Origin game two in Sydney.
A final decision will be made on Napa after the Maroons’ captain’s run at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, with Melbourne’s Tim Glasby on standby.
But Walters believed the Sydney Roosters enforcer was good to go after nursing the ailment through their entire preparation.
“I expect him to play and get through today but if he’s not okay we have a ready replacement in (Melbourne forward) Tim Glasby,” said Walters.
The Maroons mentor had initially given Napa a deadline on Wednesday to prove his fitness.
Walters had been keen to avoid any more distractions after a nightmare build-up to the series opener in Melbourne where three players suffered injury scares and Billy Slater (hamstring) pulled out days before the game.
But Walters has retained Napa after he surprised the coach by showing promising signs at their Gold Coast camp, completing both their full training sessions without receiving an official green light to play.
“I didn’t expect him to be running too much on Wednesday but he trained fully with the team, did exactly what was required,” Walters said of Nap.
“Thursday was the same and he has pulled up good. There is every indication that he will play.”
Walters did not believe he would have to rejig his pack if Napa did not receive a clearance.
There had been speculation lock Josh McGuire would be elevated to the front row with bench forward Jai Arrow wearing the No.13 jersey if Napa was cut.
But Walters said on Saturday: “I wouldn’t have thought so we will have a decision around all of that if he is not playing but I expect him to play.
“He has worked around the clock, it is a clear indication how dedicated he is, he wants to be part of this game.”
Walters admitted he may have to curb Napa’s aggression if he does get onto the field.
“He brings first and foremost aggression. Dylan would be the first to admit that he didn’t quite get that right in game one,” Walters said.
“If we can get that right he will be a huge asset for the Maroons. That’s why we are giving him every opportunity to play.”
Walters said Queensland were pumped up to celebrate veteran fullback Billy Slater’s 30th Origin game on Sunday night.
Appearing in his swansong Origin series, Slater, 35, becomes the 11th player and 10th Queenslander to reach the milestone.
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change
