In the past three series, Queensland have won the opening game by margins of 4 (16 – 12, 2010), 8 (18 – 10, 2011) and 8 (14 – 6, 2013) with each of the games producing less then 28 match points.
Whilst Qld Fullback Greg Inglis is the most prolific try-scorer in Origin history, his winger team-mate Darius Boys also boasts a very good record, having scored three tries in the past two Origins played at Suncorp and six from as many games over the past two series.
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Somewhat surprisingly, fullback Billy Slater hasn’t scored in Origin since Game III 2011.
For the Blues it is the Morris Brothers and centre Michael Jennings that historical have provided the majority of the NSW tries.
Between this trio they have registered six tries in the past two series and the Blues’ halves will be looking to get the ball into their hands as quickly as possible.
Jarryd Hayne returns to the Blues line up in the fullback spot for only the second time since Game II 2010. He has been in super form for his Club side Parramatta this season and will prove a real weapon for the Blues in attack.
Of Queensland’s past nine victories, four games have been won by a margin of ten points or more and three of those wins have come at Suncorp Stadium.
A tried and true Queensland line-up playing the series opener at Suncorp, two factors where their record is very strong, in-front of a parochial home crowd should prove too hard a nut for the new edition of the Blues to crack.
TIP: QLD 1 – 12 @ $2.85
Greg Inglis First Try + QLD 1 – 12; $17.00
Darius Boyd First Try + QLD 1 -1 2; $19.00
Odds Comparison:
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| Queensland Maroons | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.43 | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.42 |
| New South Wales Blues | 2.85 | 2.80 | 2.90 | 2.80 | 2.85 | 2.90 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Teams:
Queensland Maroons team for State of Origin 2014 Game 1:
1. Billy Slater, 2. Darius Boyd, 3. Greg Inglis, 4. Justin Hodges, 5. Brent Tate, 6. Johnathan Thurston, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Matt Scott, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Nate Myles, 11. Chris McQueen, 12 Matt Gillett, 13 Corey Parker, 14. Daly Cherry-Evans, 15. Ben Te’o 16. Josh Papalii, 17. Aidan Guerra 18. Will Chambers, 19. Jake Friend
New South Wales Blues team for State of Origin 2014 Game 1:
1. Jarryd Hayne, 2. Brett Morris, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Michael Jennings 5. Daniel Tupou, 6. Josh Reynolds, 7. Trent Hodkinson, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. James Tamou, 11. Ryan Hoffman, 12. Beau Scott, 13. Paul Gallen, 14. Trent Merrin, 15. Anthony Watmough, 16. Luke Lewis, 17. Tony Williams
News:
NSW will have their final run-out before Wednesday’s State of Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium with skipper Paul Gallen insisting his side are primed to upset Queensland in their own backyard.
The Blues haven’t beaten the Maroons in a live game in Brisbane since their last series success in 2005.
Although they tasted victory in 2007 and 2009, both matches occurred with Mal Meninga’s side already leading the series 2-0.
Gallen is very much public enemy No.1 north of the Tweed and admits he doesn’t even go on holiday to the sunshine state any more following his punch to the face of Queensland forward Nate Myles in game one last year.
He infuriated the locals further by claiming, with his tongue firmly inserted in his cheek, that they had two heads, something that rattled the cage of Queensland icon Wally Lewis.
However, one thing the Cronulla skipper agrees with Lewis, who was scathing in his assessment of the Blues on Monday, is that he would much rather be in Queensland’s shoes with eight series wins behind them.
“I can’t disagree with him there,” Gallen said.
“I’ve never won an Origin series, but only really became part of the team properly in 2010, my appearances before where more here and there.
“But this team is so well prepared that we believe we have a real chance.”
The selection of rookie halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds has been the source of great scrutiny in both states, but Gallen believes they won’t carry the baggage of previous losses.
“They are inexperienced, but they also don’t have any mental scars of previous series,” he said, ahead of the Blues’ last run-out on Tuesday morning.
“I’ve been impressed by them in training and looking forward to seeing how they go on Wednesday.”
Gallen said he and Myles have moved on from their infamous blow-up that led to the NRL banning striking, but is frustrated at how often it is brought up.
“Me and Nate are fine,” he said.
“There have been lots of fights in Origin but that is the one that always gets brought up.”