After months and months of build-up and hype, State of Origin Game 1 is nearly upon us.
With a convincing 2018 series win behind them and the Maroons seemingly rebuilding, New South Wales enter this series as warm favourites. But, they have to navigate a difficult first game at Suncorp Stadium if they want to get off to a start.
With a somewhat inexperienced and understrength side, how do they get the crowd out of it early and escape Brisbane with the crucial first victory?
We got Roar rugby league expert Tim Gore onto the Game of Codes podcast to run over the keys to the game for the Blues.
Listen to the discussion:
New South Wales will be looking to win consecutive State of Origin series’ for the first time since they won three in a row from 2003 to 2005. They broke Queensland’s incredible streak of series wins in 2014, but had to wait until last year to taste success once more.
Playing at Suncorp Stadium hasn’t been easy for the Blues, however, with the side winning just two of their last 12 games at the venue. That said, those two victories both came in Game 1 of a series.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Long280
Roar Rookie
Of course,Qld have never won a game/series,off the back of a dubious decision or penalty.It's a NSW thing every game,every year,to only get all the good calls.
maccaa62
Roar Rookie
Except for the NSW forward pass in game 2 last year that led to the defining try QLD could have won the series. So it wasn't as comfortable as NSW think it was. Whoever has most dominant forward pack wins.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I don't tend to bother guessing what peoples contracts are worth. Media are fed bs from player managers in an effort to bump the prices for all their players as their is no value in a club or a manager telling the media what a player is actually earning. So any report that player x has signed for $Y is complete speculation or rubbish. So I don't really have an opinion is my answer.
Insider
Roar Rookie
After he pulled NSW apart in SOO 3 last year Yep
kk
Roar Pro
Hi BA, Would be interested to know your valuation of the teams ( estimated of course)
BA Sports
Roar Guru
You forgot the word "estimated". Unless this is a burner account from Salary Cap auditor Richard Gardham?
kk
Roar Pro
The columns do not appear as typed. Total Value NSW $12.65M, Q $11.90M
kk
Roar Pro
Valuation of Blues And Maroons Origin 1 : 2019 #'s $M $M 1-7 5.45 5.25 8-13 4.30 3.70 14-17 2.90 2.55 12.65 11.90 On paper, NSW would cost more and academically may be deemed collectively to be able to produce a superior brand of League. But, NSW are without the great Maloney and Sutton and Klein are not immune to the persuasive raw power of the Suncorp Roar. Queensland 1-12.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Hey Insider. Is DCE viewed positively north of the Tweed now? He's had a mixed reception in the past but on form prior to injury you'd expect him to make a difference.
Insider
Roar Rookie
They lose Because of DCE