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State of Origin 1: See how the Maroons pulled off another Queensland upset

8th June, 2022
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New South Wales

10

Match Complete

Queensland

16

80
NSW10 : 16QUE

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Roar Guru
8th June, 2022
909
7423 Reads

New South Wales

10

Match Complete

Queensland

16

N. Cleary71
C. Murray71
53V. Holmes
49V. Holmes
48D. Cherry-Evans
36V. Holmes
34D. Gagai
J. Wighton14

2
Tries
3
1
Conversions
2
0
Penalty Goals
0
0
Field Goals
0

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The annual State of Origin series gets underway tonight when New South Wales take on Queensland at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:10pm (AEST).

After a Queensland dynasty, the Blues have won three of the last four Origin series. However, with injury ruling out two key players in the NSW back line, and with youth coming through at the Maroons, are we about to see Queensland bounce back?

In NSW’s favour, their spine is unchanged from recent years, with the Penrith halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, plus James Tedesco and Damien Cook all starting.

Injuries to Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell will sting the Blues, however all eyes will be on Kotoni Staggs and how he copes with the Origin cauldron. If he finds his best, he can be every bit as damaging as Trbojevic or Mitchell.

The battle of the packs look interesting. The Blues may have a bit of an advantage in the back row, with Cameron Murray and Isaah Yeo being in terrific form.

On paper at least, Queensland look to have picked a side that can match it with the Blues. The Maroons’ spine is impressive, featuring Kalyn Ponga, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans and Ben Hunt. The selection of Hunt is something of a surprise, but expect to see plenty of Harry Grant.

As far as the Queensland back line goes, the selection of Selywn Cobbo on the wing is an indication of how far the young Broncos winger has come in the last 12 months. If he gets clear, the Blues will be in trouble.

The Queensland front row of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Josh Papalii is imposing. Their battle with Payne Haas and Junior Paulo is sure to be one of the highlights of Origin 1.

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Prediction
With the Queensland-based sides mostly up the top of the ladder this year, the Maroons have been picked on form. That gives them a big chance of an upset win.

But I will stick with NSW. They have the advantage of the NSW halves being both from the Panthers. Having that combination is especially important in the first game of the series.

NSW by 8

Game information

Kick-off: 8:10pm AEST approx.
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
TV/Stream: Nine Network, 9Now
Odds: NSW $1.58, Queensland $2.42 – odds via PlayUp

Teams

NSW
1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jack Wighton 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Payne Haas 9. Damien Cook 10. Junior Paulo 11. Cameron Murray 12. Tariq Sims 13. Isaah Yeo

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Interchange: 14. Stephen Crichton 15. Liam Martin 16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17. Ryan Matterson

Queensland
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Dane Gagai 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 9. Ben Hunt 10. Josh Papali’i 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Felise Kaufusi 13. Reuben Cotter

Interchange: 14. Harry Grant 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Jeremiah Nanai

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