State of Origin preview
May 20th 2008 12:28
Queensland will be looking to continue recent domination against the Blues tomorrow night
The most intense rivalry in Rugby League kicks off tomorrow evening as New South Wales take on Queensland for the right to claim Origin supremacy. I cast my eye over the 34 players going head to head in what should be a brutal contest.
Stewart (NSW) vs Slater(QLD)
Slater has been in sublime form this season and, along with Scott Prince, is the form player of the NRL at the moment. Brett Stewart has been solid without being spectacular but we have seen enough of him to suggest he will cause immense problems for the Maroons on Wednesday night. Overall though Billy Slater gets my vote in this encounter.
Hayne (NSW) vs Folau (QLD)
Jarryd Hayne has had an inconsistent season to say the least but he did produce against City. Folau is the hottest talent in the game and he will cause massive concern when the ball is in the air. In terms of form you cannot question the Melbourne flyer's start to the season compared to that of the Eels winger. Folau looks in better touch at the moment.
Gasnier (NSW) vs Inglis (QLD)
What a much up this should be. The skill and power of Gasnier versus the freakish ability of Greg Inglis. Gasnier has been by far the Dragons most lethal weapon this year and his ability in big games cannot be questioned. Inglis on the other hand is just something special. Whether it be his fend or evasive ability, there is no denying that the Storm flyer is one of the games elite backline players. If NSW give him space, Inglis will burn everything he touches. Gasnier has to contain him if the Blues are a chance.
Cooper (NSW) vs Hodges (QLD)
What Hodges can do in attack for the Maroons, Cooper can do for the Blues in defence. both are experts in their respective roles as centres and will be toe to toe all series. This should be an intriguing contest between two poweful men of league. Hodges can be a liability in defence while Cooper can be very useful in attack. Overall both are evenly matched but recent form suggests the Broncos centre has the upper hand. Just.
Quinn (NSW) vs Tate (QLD)
Both are very similiar in the way they play their football which is one of determination and verve. Both are very good at pinching metres out of dummy-half and are great try scoring exponents of the game. in terms of defensive capabilities, Quinn looks set to have the inside running on Tate you isin't the strongest winger going around. Quinn on the other hand is a solid hitter and looks to be the more secure against his QLD counterpart.
Bird (NSW) vs Hunt (QLD)
On the greasy conditions of ANZ stadium, Bird looks set to have the inside running on the Broncos No.1. Bird's game is idealy suited to Sydney's conditions which usually consists of a slippery surface. The Cronulla half will look to bully Hunt out of the game with his superb tackling technique and effective running abililty. Hunt on the other hand will look for the QLD forward to dominate up front in order for him to apply his damaging darts out of dummy half.
Bird has shown to all that he is capable of dominating his opponents as emphasised in last years series.
Wallace (NSW) vs Thurston (QLD)
Wallace makes his debut in the sky blue after a terrific start to the year under master coach Wayne Bennett. Even without Lockyer, Wallace has demonstrated to all that he is more than capable of handling pressure cooker situations as was evidenced in his performance against the Roosters earlier this year. Thurston on the other hand has a had a very disappointing campaign with the Cowboys this season and will be eager to perform to keep the tag as the premier player of the NRL under his straps. Thurston has always delivered in the representative arena but this series will be his toughest. Wallace could surprise a few here.
White (NSW) vs Webb (QLD)
Webb has always played his guts out in Origin football and really seems to inspire those around him. He is the key for the Maroons if they are to match it with the Blues pack in terms of aggression. White on the other hand was crucified in his Origin debut last year and was
literally bashed for his efforts. He has since become one of the games premier forwards and looks set for Origin redemption.
Buderus (NSW) vs Smith (QLD)
Two of the premier hookers of our game go head to head in what should be a fascinating contest to say the least. Smith has overtaken Buderus as the premier hooker in the game and it will be up to the Storm captain to keep the Maroons rolling in attack. Buderus has to take advantage of a superb forward pack at his disposal and really needs to provide strong support to propel the Blues to domination around the ruck area. Overall Smith has both the kicking and passing game to really unsettle his opposite No.9 who is in his last Origin series.
Cross (NSW) vs Civoncieva (QLD)
Cross makes his origin debut against arguably QLD's most consistent and damaging forward. Civonicieva has done it all before at this level and this looks set to push the ledger in his favour this series. However Ben Cross was built for Origin and his no mercy approach to both defence and attack will really serve the Blues well in this game. At home, Cross should really have the required adrenaline to succeed against the legendary Maroon prop but he will really have to role up his sleeves for the full 80 minutes.
Mason (NSW) vs Crocker (QLD)
Mason has had a very solid start to the year with the Roosters and his form looks set to continue this Wednesday night. Crocker has become somewhat of a huge lucky charm for both the Storm and the Maroons. He hasn't lost a game since early 2006 which is quite remarkable. However luck always provides itself to the ones who deserve the most and it is no doubt that Crocker has been a revelation since joining Melbourne. His attitude has increased tenfold and his experience in big games will serve Queensland well. Mason though has had some dominant Origins in Sydney and he looks set to be the Blues most damaging forward in this years series.
Hoffman (NSW) vs Thaiday (QLD)
Thaiday has had an outstanding start to the year and will be eager to test out his full potential against the might of the Blues pack. Hoffman is the complete athlete for the Blues with his dimensional game making him effective in the backrow or at centre. He has great speed for a second rower and could be a real key if the Queensland forwards start to tire.
Hoffman looks the more complete player at the moment and will offer more than Thaiday in attack and defence.
Gallen (NSW) vs Johnson (QLD)
two great lock forwards with very different games. Johnson does things with a minimum of fuss and will toil until the sun rises the next morning such is his work rate capabilities. Gallen on the other hand plays a much more explosive game and he will be eager to bash the Maroons forwards out of the contest. Johnson though will be up for the challenge but Gallen can be pretty tough to handle if NSW dominate in the forwards.
Interchange
Both Hornby and Marsh will look to play out of dummy half for their respective sides when they are introduced in the contest. Hornby in particular looks the more capable of breaking the game open for NSW off the bench. Nate Myles has been in great form for the Roosters of late and will provide the Maroons with much added gutso and flair when he comes on. Fellow Rooster Anthony Tupou could be a real trump card for NSW due to his terrific ability to hit holes and cause severe worries for his opponents when offloading and running on the fringe of the ruck. Jacob Lillyman hasn't set the world on fire this season and will be eager to address a disappointing season with a strong performance for the Maroons while returning Blues forward Craig Fitzgibbon will most likely start the game due to his goal kicking prowess and uncanny ability to produce quality in both defence and attack in matches this season.
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Comment by ethos
NRL Live
If the Maroons can hold the Blues pack at bay, we should have enough strike power to finish them off.
But It should be a cracker of a match either way.
I can't wait!