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NSW Residents vs QLD residents |
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2018 Residents game, June 24 - fulltime |
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ANZ Stadium, Homebush, NSW | ||
NSW Residents | QLD residents | |
36 | SCORE | 20 |
6 | Tries | 4 |
6 | Conversions | 2 |
0 | Penalty Goals | 0 |
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The curtain-raiser to State of Origin 2 at ANZ Stadium will see the best of the reserve grade competitions go up against each other as the New South Wales residents take on the Queensland residents. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:10pm (AEST).
The New South Wales side have won just two of the last five and were blown out in last year’s game 36-6, but this is their first game in Sydney since 2013, with all games since being in the Queensland capital.
More Origin 2:
» TIM GORE: Baby Blues end the Maroon dynasty
» The Liebke ratings
» Nine talking points
» Match report: Blues take the series
» WATCH: Video highlights
» Re-live the match with our live blog
It’s easily the biggest game of the season for the guys running around in reserve grade, but there is a spattering of NRL talent across both sides, with fringe first graders looking to send a clear message to their coaches about an ability to stand up when it counts.
New South Wales’ most notable name is Aaron Gray. The former Rabbitohs, now Sharks flier has been solid playing for Newtown, but injuries have kept him out of first grade this season. He is joined by Suaia Matagi in the pack, while Jacob Felise, Kurt Dillon and Scott Sorensen are also familiar names.
The two players to watch out for though are Kurt Flanagan and Blayke Brailey. Flanagan, the son of Sharks coach Shaun and Brailey, the brother of Sharks hooker Jayden, are both immensely talented and one would have expected them to break into first grade this year.
They will be the key men for the Blues, with their combination crucial if New South Wales are to get over the line.
On the Queensland side of the coin, there are plenty of players who have been in and around first grade. Patrick Kaufusi, Jonus Pearson, Kalifa FaiFai-Loa and Patrick Mago would appear to be their most recognisable names on the surface.
Scott Drinkwater – not to be confused with his brother Josh who played games in the NRL at a couple of clubs – will line up at fullback for the Queenslanders. He has been on fire with the Easts Tigers and is probably next in line for a gig at the Storm if Jahrome Hughes doesn’t work out.
Billy Walters is also at Easts and is talked of highly, while halves partner Jamal Fogarty has the Burleigh Bears ticking along in second place on the ladder.
Pat Politini has also been a part of that Burleigh raid and will provide plenty of spark at hooker.
Prediction
The Blues probably look a little more exciting on paper. Two young sets of halves leave this game right up in the air, but New South Wales are overdue for a win and their pack should just get them over the line.
New South Wales residents by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2018 residents game from 4:10pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.