Since Mal Meninga’s Maroons started their record eight-year domination in 2006, there have been 13 State of Origin games at Stadium Australia, now ANZ Stadium.
In the first six years Queensland eagerly awaited a trip to Sydney, winning six games to two.
But in the last five years, NSW have fought back on their home turf, winning four games to one. It takes the total to 7-6, in Queensland’s favour.
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The Blues take control when in comes to total points scored over the 13 Origin matches, with NSW scoring 171 to Queensland’s 169. The Blues also boast 30 tries to Queensland’s 29.
There is not a struck match between the two sides on those telling stats. But the advantage swings heavily in Queensland’s favour with experience in terms of Origin appearances.
In the backs NSW has a total of 47 – Josh Dugan (5), David Tupou (3), Josh Morris (9), Michael Jennings (12), Will Hopoate (2), Mitchell Pearce (13), and Trent Hodkinson (3).
Queensland’s way in front with 135 – Billy Slater (25), Dariius Boyd (20), Greg Inglis (24), Justin Hodges (21), Will Chambers (1), Johnathan Thurston (30), and Cooper Cronk (14).
Up front NSW has 41 – James Tamou (8), Robbie Farah (11), Aaron Woods (5), Beau Scott (8), Ryan Hoffman (10), and Josh Jackson on debut.
Again Queensland’s a binocular distance ahead with 112 – Matt Scott (16), Cameron Smith (33), Nate Myles (26), Aidan Guerra (3), Sam Thaiday (21), and Corey Parker (13)
The total Origin appearances for the starting line-ups tells a different story, with Queensland boasting 247 to the Blues’ 89.
Nothing much changes with the interchange, NSW has 15 total appearances – Trent Merrin (10), Boyd Cordner (2), David Klemmer on debut, and Andrew Fifita (3) – while Queensland has 17 – Michael Morgan on debut, Josh McGuire on debut, Matt Gillett (9), and Jacob Lilyman (8).
All up Origin appearances – Queensland 264, NSW 104.
Another huge advantage for Queensland is boasting four of the greatest rugby league footballers on the planet – Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, and Cooper Cronk.
Between the quality quartet they have chalked up 96 Origin appearances, seven more than the entire NSW starting line-up’s 89.
My prediction for the 2015 State of Origin Game 1? Queensland by 10 points.
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