The State of Origin series is one of the most anticipated events in the rugby league calendar, showcasing a fierce rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales. As the series kicks off in Sydney, here’s what you need to know about Game I:
Key Details
- Date and Time: The first game of the series is scheduled for Wednesday.
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales.
- Teams: Queensland Maroons vs. New South Wales Blues.
Background
- Queensland’s Streak: Queensland enters Game I defending a two-year winning streak, adding extra pressure on New South Wales to break their dominance.
- New South Wales Coaching Change: This match marks Michael Maguire’s debut as the coach of the New South Wales Blues, succeeding Brad Fittler, who was replaced in November last year.
What to Watch For
- Coaching Impact: Michael Maguire’s strategies and game plan will be under scrutiny as he takes the helm of the Blues for the first time. His coaching style and decisions could significantly influence the game’s outcome.
- Player Performance: Both teams have a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars. Key players to watch include:
- For Queensland: Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster, and Kalyn Ponga.
- For New South Wales: James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, and Tom Trbojevic.
- Tactical Battle: The game is expected to be a tactical battle with both teams employing their best strategies to gain an advantage. Watch for how each team uses their forwards and backline to create scoring opportunities.
Historical Context
- Rivalry: The State of Origin series is renowned for its intensity and competitive spirit, often described as one of the fiercest rivalries in rugby league.
- Series Format: The series is played over three games, with each team hosting one match and the third venue alternating. The team that wins two out of three games claims the series.
Predictions and Expectations
- Queensland’s Confidence: Riding on their recent successes, Queensland will aim to assert their dominance from the outset.
- New South Wales’ Motivation: Under new coaching, the Blues will be motivated to reclaim the title and end Queensland’s winning streak.
Viewing Information
- Broadcast: The game will be broadcast live on various sports channels and streaming platforms, ensuring fans can watch the action unfold from anywhere.
Final Thoughts
The opening game of the State of Origin series is set to be a thrilling encounter, filled with high stakes and intense competition. Whether you’re a die-hard rugby league fan or a casual viewer, Game I promises to deliver top-tier sports entertainment.
| New South Wales | Queensland | |
|---|---|---|
| James Tedesco | 1 | Reece Walsh |
| Brian To’o | 2 | Xavier Coates |
| Stephen Crichton | 3 | Valentine Holmes |
| Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i | 4 | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow |
| Zac Lomax | 5 | Murray Taulagi |
| Jarome Luai | 6 | Tom Dearden |
| Nicho Hynes | 7 | Daly Cherry-Evans (c) |
| Jake Trbojevic (c) | 8 | Reuben Cotter |
| Reece Robson | 9 | Ben Hunt |
| Payne Haas | 10 | Lindsay Collins |
| Liam Martin | 11 | Jaydn Su’A |
| Angus Crichton | 12 | Jeremiah Nanai |
| Cameron McInnes | 13 | Patrick Carrigan |
| Isaah Yeo | 14 | Harry Grant |
| Haumole Olakau’atu | 15 | Moeaki Fotuaika |
| Spencer Leniu | 16 | J’maine Hopgood |
| Hudson Young | 17 | Selwyn Cobbo |
| Matt Burton | 18 | Felise Kaufusi |
| Luke Keary | 19 | Brendan Piakura |
| Mitchell Barnett | 20 | Ezra Mam |
When and where are the other matches?
- Game II: Wednesday, June 26, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Game III: Wednesday, July 17, at Brisbane’s Lang Park
