The NSW VB Blues are just 80 minutes away from securing their first State of Origin victory in seven years, but they’ll have to pass through hell to get there.
In the 20 days since New South Wales registered a 14-6 victory at ANZ Stadium, Queenslanders have been circling the wagons. Dark brooding clouds have been spotted over Brisbane and any unsuspecting sky-blue wearing victim has been dealt the hospitality of a state scorned.
Public Enemy Number One – forget it.
Paul Gallen is number One through to Seventeen.
In the biggest Queensland injustice since Walter James Lewis was sent from the field in a flurry of flying XXXX cans, the well documented right hand of Gallen has ignited unparalleled debate across the border and only one thing remains clear – HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE STATE OF ORIGIN!!!
Game Two will see a fearless New South Wales side taking on a Queensland team hell bent on keeping their dynasty alive and not letting their guard down in front of their Maroon faithful.
The athleticism of the Blues forwards has forced Queensland to abandon their ‘pick and stick’ mentality and Mal Meninga’s tactics have been viewed as either, depending which side of the Tweed you stand, a sign of fear or a stroke of genius.
Injuries and misbehaviour has paved the way for the enigmatic Josh Dugan to confirm what he has always believed – that he was born for this.
Aaron Woods will emerge from the shadow of the great ‘Blocker’ Roach, to prove that he too can lead the way, not as a Tiger, but as a proud New South Welshman.
And let’s not forget the long awaited debut of one of the top-ten try scorers in Rugby League history – Nathan Merritt.
Make no mistake; this match is so enticing it almost makes you want to deliver Gus’s pre-game speech yourself.
Welcome to Queensland. Welcome to State of Origin. Hunt or be hunted.
Players to watch –
Paul Gallen – The inspirational Blues Captain will have 52,000 Queenslanders baying for his blood and you get the feeling he wouldn’t want it any other way! Paul Gallen is the ultimate competitor, his move to the front row in recent years has coincided with some of his greatest performances and if NSW are to win this battle, Game Two could be his greatest of all. Gallen will have no shortage of Maroons forwards aiming to take him down and if he can respond accordingly he will lift his teammates immeasurably.
Andrew Fifita – With the absence of James Tamou and a rookie Aaron Woods making his debut in the front row, the stage is set for Fifita to deliver on Rugby League’s biggest stage. The big Cronulla Shark has been one of the dominant props in the NRL this year and the Blues will need every part of his 196cm 116kg frame to intimidate and wreak havoc on the Queensland side. Fifita was tremendous off the interchange bench in Game One and may be required to add to his game time in this encounter.
Josh Dugan – Only a matter of weeks ago, being a part of a New South Wales side aiming to seal their first series wins in seven years, would have been the furthest thing from Josh Dugan’s mind. Cast out from the Canberra Raiders and thrown a lifeline by St George Illawarra, Dugan has been in blistering form over the past month and will be out to prove that he is more than capable of just filling Jarryd Haynes jersey. Dugan made his State of Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium in 2011 and was among the best on ground on the night. Has the potential to be the match winner.
Luke Lewis – Man of the Match in Game One, Lewis just keeps getting better with age. The Blues veteran terrorized the Queensland defence with his speed and footwork at the line and his defence has the ability to change the momentum of the game. Lewis loves the big stage and don’t be surprised to see him involved in the moments that matter.
Conclusion - With a hostile capacity crowd, the series on the line, more villains than a James Bond movie and more talent than the Harlem Globetrotters – this has the potential to be one of the most memorable State of Origin games of all time. Queensland has attempted to match New South Wales tactics, but is imitation really the sincerest form of flattery? New South Wales have finally found a style of play they are comfortable with and will look to start hard and fast early. The battle in the middle will be ferocious and it may just come down to whoever blinks first. We’re tipping New South Wales to embrace the hate and overcome the Queenslanders in a classic. New South Wales by 8.
Article source: http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/Sport/Northampton-Saints-RUFC/Rugby-Union-Northampton-Saints-pair-help-England-to-glory-20130624095810.htm
Holden State of Origin - Game Two Preview
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