For lovers of Rugby League the most intensely fought rivalry of the game would most certainly be the State of Origin series played in Australia every Winter. The best of 3 series between New South Wales and Queensland is always fiercely contested and on the highlight reels for State of Origin over the years you will always see the Greatest Hits of the game (yes, I mean that literally). The first game of the series this year is being played in just over 24 hours in Sydney, making it a Home Game for New South Wales...this years Underdogs.
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The Betting Markets rate both teams fairly evenly with Queensland slight favorite to win, likely due to the fact that they won the series last year and have a very similar squad again this year. New South Wales on the other hand have a New Coach and a new look with 6 Rookies selected to make their debut.
The new look NSW team is full of tough, hard-working players in what appears to be a cultural shift for the team. The new Captain is Jake Trbojevic who is a very well liked player and is respected across the sport for his strong work ethic and sportsmanship. He’s surrounded by players who have been putting in the hard yards and defending well for their clubs so with Wet Weather on the forecast it could be a very tough, low scoring game.
My prediction for this game is that NSW will be very competitive and once the Forward Packs get into the grind I don’t think there will be much to separate the teams. However as the game wears on I think Queensland have the edge with more experienced players and combinations and just that little bit of extra X-Factor in their Backline. I can see them coming up with a typically Queensland styled late surge to claim the first win of the series.
It should be a tough game so if you’re interested in Rugby League then check it out. There will be 34 of the best Australian players putting it all on the line and State of Origin rarely disappoints as a spectacle. For the full cultural experience I recommend enjoying the game with Beer and Pizza.