Are Queensland gone? That’s the big question on everybody’s lips as anticipation builds for the annual State of Origin series, set to commence in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
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Injury and retirement have forced Maroons selectors to make up to half a dozen changes to the team, which retained the shield with a hard fought 2-1 win 12 months ago.
While there is still plenty of elite talent for Kevin Walters to work with, on paper at least this team looks a fair way short of the side, which claimed eight consecutive series.
In the absence of Greg Inglis, Matt Scott, Corey Parker (retired) and Johnathan Thurston, whose unavailability for Game 1 was confirmed last Wednesday, much will rest in the hands of Storm teammates Cooper Cronk and four-time Wally Lewis Medal winner, skipper Cameron Smith.
With Thurston already announcing this will be his Origin swansong, it’s possible Cronk will follow suit after announcing he’ll be moving to Sydney at season’s end.
The decision to stick with Darius Boyd (pictured above) at fullback in place of Billy Slater has divided opinion north of the Tweed given the latter’s influence on Origin matches over the past decade.
Boyd’s form has been excellent for the Broncos this season and I’m suggesting the selectors got it right, despite admitting it was the most difficult decision they had faced in some time.
Anthony Milford will make his Origin debut in the six jersey and while his ability is unquestioned, there’s a perception that he might not be suited to this arena.
Much like Shaun Johnson, there is an enormous gulf between his best and worst and one wonders if the Queenslanders haven’t erred by starting with Michael Morgan, who has a bit more experience at the caper and has led the Cowboys strongly in the absence of their talisman.
The Queensland pack looks strong with Dylan Napa (pictured above) earning his spot after some excellent displays with the Roosters while Matt Gillett and Josh Papalii offer grind and grunt respectively in the back row.
Eyebrows were raised though, over the selection of Nate Myles given his form and injury concerns.
Like their bitter rivals, the Blues have made several changes but some of these inclusions are chosen rather than enforced and look to have strengthened the team.
A star of NSW’s 2014 breakthrough, Jarryd Hayne (pictured above) returns after a stint in the NFL with plenty to prove that he still belongs at this level after appearing disinterested at times with the Titans.
With James Tedesco retaining his spot despite some indifferent form, the mercurial Hayne will partner Josh Dugan in the centres and that is one area where the Blues look to have a distinct advantage.
The much maligned Mitchell Pearce beat out Adam Reynolds for the number seven jersey and will link up with former Roosters teammate James Maloney in the halves.
One of the huge sub-plots to the series will be how Pearce handles the pressure of guiding his team around but he certainly deserves another chance to show what he can do.
Pearce’s game management, of course, will be influenced by how well his pack can drive forward and win the battle up front as that is where games are invariably won or lost at this level.
With Paul Gallen retired, Boyd Cordner (pictured above) assumes the captaincy and heads up a hard-working back row also featuring Josh Jackson and Tyson Frizell, one of the most underrated players in the competition.
Robbie Farah’s lack of consistent game time at Souths eventually counted against him and it is exciting to see Nathan Peats given an opportunity at this level.
The bench strength is also a tick in NSW’s favour as they look to have a bit more potential to impact the contest, particularly the Cronulla pairing of Jack Bird and Wade Graham.
The Verdict
How will this play out?
If these matches were on neutral turf then I’d argue the Blues could get the result but it’s pertinent that there will be two matches at Suncorp Stadium.
Unibet Odds:
Queensland at $2.00
NSW at $1.83
TIPS:
Tip: Queensland at $2.00
Line tip: Queensland -1.5 at $2.15
Total points: Over 32.5 at $1.95
Man of the Match: Cameron Smith at $6.50
Tips and Bets from Unibet’s Professional Tipster Stewart Crocker.
