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State Of Origin is just two sleeps away (excluding nanna naps…).
Everybody has had their say about the Blues squad, and very little has been discussed regarding the Maroons. Rightly so.
The only bloke I would’ve included in the Queensland mob would be Dave Taylor. There’s something in the air around him at the moment, and that something reeks of a redemption story. I feel it would’ve been a great time to show the rugby league world that he is back.
More State of Origin:
>> State of Origin teams
>> State of Origin draw and news, referees, results
>> State of Origin preview (VIDEO)
>> GURU: I sniff an Origin upset
>> TURNER: Behind the scenes of Origin preparation
In saying this, how can we argue that they’ve made a ‘mistake’? Everybody in the Queensland squad is more than capable. Just ask anyone who has played for the Blues over the last eight years.
I think the Blues have picked a fantastic squad, and with the probable return of Bird and Fifita next match it’s only going to get stronger. No matter who Laurie Daley and the selectors were going to choose, they were always going to be subject to somewhat of a public bashing. Again… rightly so. That comes with the territory after eight consecutive series losses.
I love the Blues squad. It has a real fresh, enthusiastic feeling about it. Watching TV interviews over the past week, the Blues players look as though they’re hiding something.
There’s a real underlying confidence about them. It’s as if they’re playing up to the underdog tag and the media are more than happy to run with it.
I was chatting to Paul Gallen after our loss to the Tigers last Saturday and I was saying that if you lined both teams up next to each other, looked at both teams’ individuals, took into account current form, athletic ability, and then took away the blue and maroon colours, plus the hype and passion of Origin, then I think the odds would come in a whole lot more even.
Many may disagree, but I honestly believe the hype and aura of the mighty Maroons is what beats the Blues, not the physical ability of the players.
The fact is, that hype, passion and aura will all be there Wednesday. This time, I think the Blues, debutants included, will be more than ready. I doubt very much that we’ll see any sort of a blow out game. I think we’re in for an absolute ripper.
Having both left and right side centres and wingers, the halves, and Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods together is a master stroke. They’d be so comfortable playing next to one another that it’ll be second nature.
Trying to gel and form a football relationship with someone you’ve never played with in a frantic 10 days can and often does spell disaster.
When you know how your footy neighbour plays the game and communicates, you can concentrate on firing, as opposed to learning how to handle a new teammate.
All these boxes are being ticked, but don’t forget who the Blues are up against. This is why Origin is one of, if not the most exciting event on the planet. You can’t pick it. It sounds silly after eight consecutive Queensland wins, but nobody is ever over confident when choosing a winner for Origin.
Will the Blues win game 1? I’m asking you. I believe they definitely can. But will they?
The current Maroons squad is phenomenal. A team of champions and more importantly, a champion team. The media are portraying them as very very relaxed and dare I say, almost bored.
Well played media! There’s no way the Maroons are expecting a walk in the park.
If the Blues can pull off a series win this year, they will be Gods. They will go down in history as monster killers.
I cannot wait for this.
So, here we are. I can almost taste it. I’m asking you: who wins and by how much?
I’m tipping the Blues in an upset by seven points.
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