Holden State of Origin - Game One Preview

Two teams, thirty-four players, 83,000 fans and the entire population of New South Wales and Queensland riding every second of every play. The greatest rivalry in Australian sport will resume tonight with all the passion, expectation and excitement that makes State of Origin football the pinnacle of Rugby League and the envy of every code.

19 years after spoiling Mal Meninga’s farewell as an Origin player, Laurie Daley will once again go into battle with his former teammate and nemesis knowing he has the ability to influence the result. It may be from beyond the battle lines, but make no mistake – these two men know what’s required to win State of Origin football.

It’s been over 2,500 days since New South Wales were crowned Origin champions and the time for talking has come to an end. We’ve dissected the selections, analysed the strengths and weaknesses and still have no idea what tonight’s game will bring?

What will be the defining moment that enters Origin folklore?

Will it be the athleticism of Jarryd Hayne, the speed of Michael Jennings or the power of Paul Gallen?

Will the time come for a new hero to write their chapter into Origin history?

James Maloney, Blake Ferguson, Andrew Fifita or Josh Reynolds perhaps?

When Ricky Stuart passed the NSW VB Blues coaching baton to Laurie Daley he did so with these words – “I played State of Origin, this bloke owned it.”

After 80 minutes only one thing will be certain – Two teams will head to Suncorp Stadium on the 26th June fighting for glory or survival.

Two teams, thirty-four players, 83,000 fans and the entire population of New South Wales and Queensland riding every second of every play… it’s time for us to own it.

Players to Watch –

Jarryd Hayne – The most capped player in the New South Wales team, Jarryd Hayne will return to his preferred position of full-back in the opening game of the Holden State of Origin series. In sixteen appearances, Hayne has shown himself to have what it takes to be an ‘Origin’ player. At various times during his career he’s entered the team under pressure, out of form and out of position, but not once has he let it affect the way he plays his Origin football. New South Wales needs a confident Jarryd Hayne and a confident Jarryd Hayne spells danger for Queensland. Will we see the ‘Hayne Plane’ take flight at ANZ Stadium tonight? The entire state of New South Wales hopes so!

James Maloney – Another Origin, another halves combination. Since 2005, News South Wales have used 15 different halves combinations in an effort to halt Queensland’s dominance. Last year Todd Carney went close, this year James Maloney will look to finish the job. With the performance of the halves a key factor in deciding the outcome of any State of Origin game, Maloney will be supported by three of the greatest five-eighths to pull on a sky blue jersey. Brad Fittler, Trent Barrett and NSW VB Blues Coach Laurie Daley have all been in camp to show Maloney the way and to perform at your best you need to learn from the best. It’s time to see what Maloney can bring to the famous number six jersey.

Blake Ferguson – The rise and fall and rise again of Blake Ferguson has been well documented, as long as he wears the sky blue jersey of New South Wales; he has our full support. ‘Freaky’ Ferguson is a game breaker, a livewire and an athlete. Capable of tearing apart even the staunchest defence, on his day Ferguson is most importantly a match-winner. NSW VB Blues Coach Laurie Daley has shown his faith picking Ferguson over a host of other contenders and if Blake produces the type of football we know he can produce, it could be start of a successful relationship between Freaky Ferguson and State of Origin football.

Andrew Fifita – Since joining the Cronulla Sharks last season, Andrew Fifita has emerged as one of Rugby League’s most damaging forwards. Whether it’s splitting the defence with a barnstorming run, producing a deft offload to his support players or side-stepping his way to the try line, Fifita has displayed all the qualities necessary to play State of Origin. Incumbent NSW Prop James Tamou labelled Fifita “the most in-form player to make the team,” at 196cm and 116kg, Fifita will cause plenty of headaches for the Queensland forwards when he enters the fray. Has potential to be the most influential player on the field.

Conclusion – It’s often said that the first game of the series is the best game as both sides fight to get the all-important advantage of a second bite of the cherry. After going down to the Maroons by a field goal in the final minutes of Game Three last year, the Blues have felt the disappointment of coming so close yet remaining so far. Laurie Daley has been calculated throughout his selection process and has come up with an in-form side he believes can get the job done. The powerful, mobile pack of New South Wales featuring James Tamou, Andrew Fifita, Anthony Watmough, Ryan Hoffman, Luke Lewis and Greg Bird will look to play an up-tempo style of football to get the early advantage over their opponents. With 83,000 home town fans in support, we’re tipping the Blues by 8.

Article source: http://www.irb.com/jwc/news/newsid=2067152.html

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Holden State of Origin - Game One Preview