Opinion
NSW not being spoilt by choice for once leads to 3-0 whitewash.
The power of positive thinking has led me to this premonition.
No Nathan Cleary, no Tom Trbojevic, Mitchell Moses, Latrell Mitchell (surely), no Clint Gutherson, no Cody Walker now that he’s tweaked his calf … no worries.
When you are not spoilt for choice, the best options become obvious. You pick what is available. It has worked for Queensland for 44 years and in 2024 it will work a treat for Michael Maguire and the NSW Blues.
Brad Fittler for six years had too many options at his disposal.
The obvious options are in good form and not scarred by previous failures. There is no pressure, it is the reset that NSW desperately need and the players will be unshackled as a result.
Critically, the positions with the most pressure pick themselves this year. Nicho Hynes and Matt Burton are almost universally endorsed as the halves, what a rare blessing for NSW. These two must be feeling the love because they are in top form and their clubs are winning.
Bring on Origin I.
So, to round out my premonition for the series:
Game 1: NSW win easily. Hynes will guide them around the park, Burton will kick them out of trouble and the NSW pack will comfortably accommodate their QLD counterparts.
Game 2: Queensland will play like a team under pressure. Uncharacteristic errors will be made, and some old legs will be shown to be lacking. A frustrating, grinding game that NSW win.
Game 3: another comfortable NSW win. The post-try celebration of the grenade pull is re-enacted, and an arrogant and enduring NSW dynasty begins.
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