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The year was 2005, George Bush was President of United States, John Howard was Prime Minister of Australia, Wedding Crashers was making millions on the Big Screen and Foo Fighters were number one with a little song called Best of You.
It was also the last time NSW won a State of Origin series. “Really! That long ago? “ I hear you ask.
Yes it really was nine years ago, way back when Ricky Stuart was actually coaching teams to victory. He and captain Danny Buderus help guide the Blues to a series triumph.
Here we are, nine years later, and after watching the Maroons win eight series in a row it’s time for a changing of the guard, I’m predicting a NSW series win in 2014.
More State of Origin:
>> State of Origin draw and news, teams referees, results
>> State of Origin preview (VIDEO)
>> PRENTICE: Why NSW will win Game 1
>> PRICHARD: Why QLD will win Game 1
>> GURU: I sniff an Origin upset
>> TURNER: Behind the scenes of Origin preparation
There’s a smell of 2001 about this year’s Origin. Back in 2001 Wayne Bennett made his mission to win back the trophy and some pride when he put together a young and fairly inexperienced Queensland side. Many people wrote them off before a ball was kicked.
Once the ball was kicked it was a different story entirely, with Lote Tuqiri charging the ball straight back past the NSW defenders and finally passing it to Darren Lockyer for the first try of the series. It came in the first 90 seconds. What a statement.
In the same half Carl Web scored a powerhouse try just before half time also which will long be remembered for its tenacity and aggression.
There was a sense from the outset that his Origin series was going to be different. Queensland had come to win, and no matter how good the NSW side was, that night at Lang Park was a foregone conclusion.
There is a smell of that in 2014. It’s the same venue, just 13 years later.
Expect this result to go the other way this time. Laurie Daley has picked a fairly inexperienced squad, with young players in key positions, together with the old stalwarts Gallen, Hayne and Watmough the Blues are at Suncorp tonight to reclaim the pride in the NSW jersey.
For mine the Blues will win tonight because they are hungrier and have lived through the pain of eight losses in a row. They want their pride back.
Look for them to be strong up the middle with strong busts from the forwards and quick dummy half runs from Robbie Farah and Josh Reynolds. They will play up tempo game in an attempt to put the Maroons on the back foot early.
Whichever way it goes tonight will be a battle, a spectacle, and one that will not disappoint, I’ve got my cans in the fridge and pizza ordered and cannot wait for kick off.
For what it’s worth, I think it will be a Blues will win 22-16. Daniel Tupou for first try scorer and look for him to have a blinder of a game.
I can’t wait. Game on.
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