New Queensland coach Kevin Walters believes the eight-interchange era could result in a barrage of points in this year’s State of Origin series.
While the Maroons poured on the points in last year’s decider at Suncorp, most contests in the interstate arena have been closely-fought affairs.
This especially rings true in series openers, where neither side has been able to score more than 20 points in game one of a series in the last five years.
However Walters said that could change in this year’s opening game on June 1.
“The players will have adapted a lot better, but I still think with the speed and the pace of Origin, that there’ll be even more scoring opportunities,” he said.
“And that’s what you want to see too, from a fan point of view, which is what Origin is about at the end of the day – the passion of the fans.
“I think they’d like to see more tries around the place if we can get that going.”
The NRL’s penchant for increasing fatigue – the bunker has also slashed break times during matches – is likely to ensure both teams will carry a supersub in game one of this year’s series.
Queensland have often selected the likes of Daly Cherry-Evans and Michael Morgan in recent years, while NSW coach Laurie Daley has already admitted he would abandon his philosophy of having four forwards.
“It’s a bit scary, isn’t it, for the players. They’re the ones that are going to be out there slugging away,” Walters said.
“After 10 rounds in the NRL, most players would adjusted a lot better to what they have at the moment.
“But Origin is such an exhausting game, and so fast, you would think that there would be even more opportunities for a player like Michael Morgan, to come on and find some spaces there that he wouldn’t normally find at that level.”
Joe
Roar Rookie
If GI goes to fullback who gets selected on the centre/wing for Qld? I'm still not sold on Gagai, has too many mistakes in him especially for centre. Might be worth looking at Corey Oates on one wing. Chambers is a lock for one center spot but don't see too many putting their hands up for the other. Cronk has been off his game this year and also in the finals series last year. Don't know if its age catching up or contract negotiations but he has been way off. Thaiday been playing off the bench for the Broncs which isn't a really good build-up for Origin and Guerra has been poor so far this year. Papallii has been great for the Raiders though. It will be interesting to see the QLD selection this year and whether there will be a changing of the guard. NSW has an abundance of fullbacks this year with Dugan, Tedesco and even Cootes but I think it will be between Dugan and Tedesco. I'd really like to see Tedesco in Origin, as he has that game breaking ability and also good hands but Dugan has been outstanding the last two weeks and also his last Origin game where he saved a couple of certain tries and was one of best on park for a well beaten NSW side. I also think the NSW front row will have the upper hand and with Bird returning they are going to be a well rounded team. Gallens last series and two origins in NSW. I think its going to be a great series.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Who else goes to fullback, Boyd perhaps? But Boyd already does the swap sides and attack like a fullback thing on the wing, so there's less upside there given GI doesn't really leave his side when he's playing in the centres.
Adsa
Guest
Milford will not be selected this year by Qld due to misdemeanors at Emerging Origiin camp. I would replace him with Ben Barbaa
up in the north
Roar Rookie
So Kevvie has got Morgan on the bench again. Not a silly move at all. I heard talk the other day that GI would go to fullback, not sure that's wise.
MAX
Guest
"But Origin is such an exhausting game, and so fast"... has me asking the question if Cam and Coop are still capable of performing at their accepted high standard. Early days but to my eye they do not look as sharp. Smart as always but 'irritable'. GI is almost as good as Billy but he too looks jaded. Those 3 are vital to any tryfest and if on song it will be Q2-1. Will any of the suspended be reprieved? Could we please have a check on bunker times comparisons. Early improvement then ???
Joel
Guest
Qld Origin Team prediction: 1.Morgan 2.Boyed 3.Inglis 4.Chambers 5.Gagai 6.Thurston 7.Cronk 8.Scott 9.Smith 10.Myles 11.Guerra 12.Lowe 13.Parker 14.Milford 15.Gillett 16.McGuire 17.Thaiday Awsome team and heaps of points ... look out blues!