3 minute read
Racing and Sports will offer a preview of the 2019 State of Origin Series.
We’ll incorporate some appropriate stats and history as the Cane Toads meet the Cockroaches again in one of sports best rivalries.
QUEENSLAND v NSW
Wednesday 5 June @ Suncorp Stadium
The 2019 series of the annual rugby league clash of ‘Mate Against Mate’ begins on Wednesday night as Queensland attempt to recapture the trophy they have dominated recently.
Prior to 2018, the Maroons had won 11 of the 12 previous series. It truly was an obliteration.
However showing just how this series has ebbed and flowed, even though Queensland managed to win those series, only once since the year 2000 has a team won all three games in a year.
This 38th Series has a new aspect to it with the second time a game will be played away from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.
Perth’s new stadium will host the second match (officially as Queensland’s hosting).
Given the initial skirmish this week is at Lang Park, it is imperative Queensland get off to a positive (and winning) start.
It is probably hard to see them winning the series if they then have to take Game 3 back at Sydney Australia where NSW has only lost 9 of 27 there.
But the reality is the confrontation begins at their home and as such the Maroons must come out swinging. They do so with new faces.
For the first time almost since time began, there is no Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, and Cooper Cronk.
Neds are offering substantially enhanced odds on both teams to win the opening match of the series with customers able to stake as much as $50.
There is a long held maxim that Rugby League is based around having an elite spine being 1/6/7/9 (fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker). Greg Inglis was also a part of that dynamic combination.
Considering Queensland has had four potential all-time greats playing together for near on a decade, is it any wonder NSW could barely get near them.
Their new breed includes one of the most exciting players in the NRL. Kalyn Ponga has that Brad Fittler step off both feet, is explosive off the mark, backs up and just for added measure kicks goals.
His form has gotten better to co-incide with Newcastle’s resurgence. Being back at fullback has helped that. You think the Knights should be throwing a Lance Franklin-like deal at him for sure. “Give him a longer contract” seems apt for a 21yo.
His debut last year was excellent so the occasion did not overawe him.
He will have a roaming commission as Cherry-Evans and Munster look to control things. DCE will be hoping his injury issues are behind him but this cauldron is not the place to be unfit.
The relative experience/names in Queensland’s backline is offset elsewhere.
Brad Fittler looks to have said “Speed kills”. His forwards are full of pace rather than size. Those old days of Roach, Sironen, Roberts, Clyde, Kennedy etc are not seen here.
That isn’t the case in the backline where Tedesco, Mitchell, Addo-Carr will make that field look smaller.
NSW has obvious question marks at least in the halves. The injuries, especially to Luke Keary, could well be critical. The Nathan Cleary selection will be a fascinating watch.
In David Klemmer they have a battering ram who loves this style of football. He very much typifies his idol Paul Harragon and now plays for the Chief’s team Newcastle. His ground after impact is both important for the team but also the psyche out there.
NSW must start well and try to take the crowd out of play. We all know Queensland’s renown for using them to inspire.
If NSW is in front by more than a try at halftime there may be no coming back. But punters are already backing the maroons.
For the Blues to be winning they’ll want Damien Cook to be at his sniping and organisational best. He is fav for the Player Of The Match which explains that importance.
Thinking this is slightly a better side for NSW than Queensland and as such will back them 1-12.
Match Selection: NSW by 6 points
Suggested Bet: NSW 1-12 @ $2.70
$2 is available for NSW (up from $1.80) while Neds have wound the Maroons out to $2.50 (regular price $2.00).
