State of Origin: Game 1 (2010)

[DIEHARD]

State of Origin

NSW Blues vs Queensland Maroons

players to represent the XXXX Maroons in Game 1 of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series against NSW at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, May 26.

NSW Blues

1. Kurt Gidley (c) - Newcastle Knights
2. Brett Morris - St George Illawarra Dragons
3. Matt Cooper - St George Illawarra Dragons
4. Timana Tahu - Parramatta Eels
5. Jarryd Hayne - Parramatta Eels
6. Jamie Lyon - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
7. Brett Kimmorley - Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
8. Michael Weyman - St George Illawarra Dragons
9. Michael Ennis - Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
10.Josh Perry - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
11. Trent Waterhouse - Penrith Panthers
12. Ben Creagh - St George Illawarra Dragons
13. Anthony Watmough - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

14. Jamal Idris - Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
15. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs - Canberra Raiders
16. Luke Lewis - Penrith Panthers
17. Brett White - Melbourne Storm

Queensland Maroons

1. Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)
2. Darius Boyd (St George Illawarra Dragons)
3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm)
4. Willie Tonga (North Queensland Cowboys)
5. Israel Folau (Brisbane Broncos)
6. Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos)
7. Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
8. Matthew Scott (North Queensland Cowboys)
9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
10. Petero Civoniceva (Penrith Panthers)
11. Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters)
12. Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast Titans)

14. Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
15. David Shillington (Canberra Raiders)
16. Neville Costigan (St George Illawarra Dragons)
17. David Taylor (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

[DIEHARD]

Ballin set to replace Smith in Qld team

Manly hooker Matt Ballin is poised to make his State of Origin debut in Sydney on Wednesday after Cameron Smith pulled the pin on his brave bid to play.

Smith, who has been receiving intensive physio for a dislocated elbow, underwent a private fitness test with former Origin player Jason Hetherington early on Saturday afternoon.

He was the first to deliver the news to his room mate Ballin who at first thought he was joking.

"I did everything I could to get there," said Smith, who has played the last 19 Origins in a row.

"Unfortunately the tests I had to do today, which included making some tackles, I couldn't get through that.

"Obviously I've lost a bit of strength in the arm. Everything straight at me was fine but when I had to stretch and reach out, it was not good.

"I knew straight away. I still had four days but it wasn't worth the risk."

Smith said Ballin was an ideal replacement.

"He's really excited. I told him when I got back to the room after the test and I don't think he believed me at first," said Smith.

"He was more apologetic that I was out.

"I asked him if anyone had spoken to him and I said: `I'm out mate, and you're in'."

"He's tough enough, he's a robust guy and he plays a lot of minutes for Manly."

Ballin, 26, from Kingaroy, is likely to start at hooker ahead of Cooper Cronk who will also get some time at dummy half.

Team physio Scott Thornton said Smith had been "close" to playing.

"Cam was pretty close but we put some time frames in place that he had to be able to do some defensive work by today and he just couldn't quite do it, so we had to make the call," Thornton told AAP.

"He did some tackling and he didn't feel comfortable with it, he didn't quite have all his strength so we weren't prepared to take the risk.

"It was a joint decision."

Smith, who suffered a dislocated elbow in the Test match against New Zealand on May 7, was always going to struggle to play in the first Origin game.

Ballin has been in camp with the Maroons since Tuesday and has taken part in every training session to prepare him for his debut.

The decision was made early to give him time to get used to the dummy half job which involves calling many of the plays for halves Darren Lockyer and Jonathan Thurston.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

[DIEHARD]

Gidley letter 'disappointing': Cam Smith

Hooker Cameron Smith doubts that Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer would ever resort to penning an open letter appealing to Maroons fans - just as NSW captain Kurt Gidley has ahead of Wednesday's State of Origin opener in Sydney.

As NSW did their best to hype up Origin passion with an inaugural Former Origins Greats (FOGS) lunch in Sydney this week, Gidley's letter, signed by all Blues players, implored fans to pack out ANZ Stadium in a sea of blue to bring down the arrogant Queenslanders in game one.

"We want 80,000 fans dressed in blue in full voice. Let's show Queensland what Origin means to NSW," said the hand-written letter published in a Sydney newspapers on Saturday.

Smith said he couldn't ever see Lockyer being in a position where he had to urge Queensland fans to come to an Origin game.

"I think Origin games in Queensland sell out pretty quickly," said Smith, still racing the clock to be fit for Wednesday night's clash.

The second Origin game at the 51,000-seat Suncorp Stadium sold out within two hours of tickets going on sale.

"It's a bit disappointing given State of Origin is one of the biggest games of the year," Smith told AAP.

"I don't know if it's the team lacking the support or the game in Sydney is lacking the support.

"Either way, it's a shame.

"You'd like to think when you represent your state everyone of your fans is going to get out and support you.

"I know it's a big stadium out there but I think if we had an 80,00-seat stadium in Queensland, we'd fill it.

"I don't think Locky would ever have to write a letter to our fans to come and cheer us on."

With the opening game of the series five days away, there are still 13,000 tickets not sold.

A Facebook group called "Queensland Maroons" which set out to get 125,000 members in support of Mal Meninga's Origin team, had 84,812 fans registered by Saturday.

A similar Facebook page "NSW Blues" had 30,172 registered members.

Gidley said the first game was "crucial" in shaping the Origin series.

With two games in Sydney, he said fans could help make ANZ, where the Blues have a daunting Origin record, a fortress again.

Smith, meanwhile, continued to keep alive his hopes of playing in his 20th straight Origin as his elbow injury show signs of improving.

"It's the best it's felt in the whole camp. The physio guys have been great working on it three times a day but there's till a little bit to go," he said before Queensland's opposed session against a Sunshine Coast side on Saturday afternoon.

Smith revealed he'd been told he may never get the full range of movement back in his elbow.

"If I can get the last bit of swelling out and the pain is gone. I'll be right to play," he said.

"I haven't made a tackle in two weeks, so I've lost a bit strength.

"If it's not 100 per cent right, I won't be going out there to play.

"You have to look at the big picture, there's two more games to play.

"If it was a grand final, I'd be playing.

"There's no point me going out there just to chalk up another Origin match on my record just to play 10 minutes and let the boys down."

Smith said if he played, he expected to be targeted.

"I'd say they'd come looking for me and accidentally knock it, that's just the way footy is," he said.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

[DIEHARD]

So who is lucky enough to attend and where else will the rest of you be watching?

I might go to a friend's place.

I'm lucky enough to be going to Game 2 at Lang Park

Should be a tight game without Cam Smith. I'd hate to see the Blues get an early series lead.

[Mushi]

I'll be watching from home - wish I was going!!! But unlike you diehard, I am hoping (and praying) for a blues win this wednesday night :)
I'm a titans girl through and through but def a NSW state of origin girl! So a big cheer from me - GO BLUES!!!

[DIEHARD]

Oh not another Blue! LOL

I think the withdrawal of Smith means it is anyone's game. Smith was the foundatio of the Maroons and we will suffer for it.

I haven't seen much of Ballin, Im sure he is up to the task. I just avoid Manly games!

[DIEHARD]

Queensland's State of Origin campaign hits wall as Greg Inglis adds to injury woes

GREG Inglis has thrown a major scare through the Queensland State of Origin camp after suffering a heavy head-knock during training at Coolum this afternoon.

Already reeling form the withdrawal of hooker Cameron Smith over the weekend with an elbow injury, the Maroons face further disruption, with Inglis rushed from the field to receive medical attention.

The mishap happened during a ball session with Inglis and fellow centre Willie Tonga colliding.

They hit with such force that onlookers heard ``a massive crack''.

Medical staff immediately applied ice to Inglis' left eye.

Tonga was able to continue training.

Matt Ballin, who has been in camp since last Tuesday, has taken over Smith's duties and will make his Origin debut in Wednesday night's series opener in Sydney.

Source: http://www.thecouriermail.com.au

[DIEHARD]

I hope Inglis is ok, he is one of our key attacking weapons who is sure to rip into the Blues.

If he is out, you'd have to bring in Lote and push Folau to centre?

[Titan2007]

Nervous as. With all this talk about NSW and the 'BIFF', I only hope they are more concentrating on who they are going to target than on the job at hand which is winning the first game. I really hope they don't resort to cheap shots. In saying that, I have full confidence in the Queenslanders winning the series 3 zip :) GO QUEENSLAND :)

[kwigibo]

I hope Inglis is ok, he is one of our key attacking weapons who is sure to rip into the Blues.

If he is out, you'd have to bring in Lote and push Folau to centre?

Te'o is 18th man and has played a fair bit at centre this season, but they should still get Lote.

[titanstattman]

Im having a thing at mine on weds night any1 welcome just let me know

[DIEHARD]

Yea hopefully the Maroons concentrate on scoring points!

[DIEHARD]

Harrison vows to give Blues the full serve

HE does it every week for the Titans, and Ashley Harrison has declared he is ready to play out the full 80 minutes for Queensland on Wednesday night.

Stepping into the Queensland No. 13 jersey, Harrison, who has been a key to Queensland's success in the second row for the past two years, said his focus had been the same as it was for every game.

And he wants plenty of game time, proving since his debut for Brisbane in 1999 he is no slouch when it comes to rolling up his sleeves.

"I usually play 80 for (the Titans) and hopefully I can get in there and get my work done and last the 80 out," said Harrison yesterday, when asked if he expects to play the full 80 minutes.

"Probably the only thing that changes (by shifting to lock) is the number on my back."

"My role in the team is pretty much the same and I'm just looking forward to get out and execute on (Wednesday).

While the NSW backrow stocks may be the only area the Blues hold a slight advantage over the Maroons, they are still blessed with Harrison, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles and interchange forward Neville Costigan.

In the best form of his career, the Harrison fan club has exploded this season with his never-say-die attitude just one of the shining areas of the Titans' efforts in 2010.

Missing just one game, Round 3 with Canberra, Harrison has averaged 35 tackles and 11 hit-ups in just over 70 minutes on the paddock in nine matches.

And Maroons coach Mal Meninga will be looking for similar numbers through the three matches this series.

While the effect the loss of workhorse Dallas Johnson will have on Queensland is unknown, Harrison knows the troops assembled will get the job done.

"We're not going to go out and do what Dallas does, we just want to do our job that we've been doing for our club and everyone will give a big effort," he said.

Memories of Game 3 ugly scenes are still fresh in Maroon minds, along with the thoughts it could explode once again.

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Inglis and Tonga in untimely double-header

QUEENSLAND centres Greg Inglis and Willie Tonga showed the Blues may need a sledge hammer to take them down in Wednesday's first Origin clash, after a sickening head clash at training yesterday sent a minor scare through the Maroons camp.

Midway through a ball drill, Tonga and Inglis collided with Inglis coming off second best and forced from the session nursing a heavy bump above his left eyebrow.

The noise from the contact sent the 50-odd fans and Maroons staff silent, fearing Inglis had suffered a serious facial injury, when he was laid out.

It was the second scare in as many days for the Queenslanders, with hooker Cameron Smith to end his 19 consecutive game streak in State of Origin with the elbow he dislocated in the recent Trans Tasman Test failing to recover.

While it was bad news for Smith, it was quite the opposite for Inglis and Manly rake Matt Ballin, who was called in to replace the Melbourne Storm skipper in the No. 9 jersey.

His selection as back-up for Smith may have aggravated Titans fans who felt the form of Nathan Friend had warranted a call-up, although an Origin rookie the 26-year-old had plenty of big match experience that would make the transition a little easier, according to fullback Billy Slater.

"Matty's a great player, he's played in grand finals so he certainly won't let anyone down for Queensland," said Slater.

"He's got a fair bit of experience and has been in a good side for a long time now so he knows what it's all about."

Ballin was delivered the news by Smith himself, after he succumbed during a contact session Saturday afternoon.

Coach Mal Meninga told the media they could not not talk with the Kingaroy junior, once contracted to the Broncos.

But with Ballin now in the driver's seat calling the shots together with Jonathon Thurston, skipper Darren Lockyer and interchange utility Cooper Cronk, Meninga will have few concerns particularly after Inglis escaped serious injury.

Queensland doctor Roy Saunders said team staff decided it was best for Inglis to sit out the session as a precaution, and to ice his eye to ensure there was no swelling.

"There was no loss of consciousness, (they) just banged heads and were shaken up a bit," said Dr Saunders on Inglis' knock.

"Hopefully (his eye won't swell), that's the whole purpose of taking him off and icing it so we get as little swelling as possible."

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/

[Blazertaser]

Yeah doug ill be there
What time we showin up?

Blazer:thumbsup:

[DIEHARD]

Game I: New South Wales v Queensland Preview
ANZ Stadium Wednesday 8.10pm

Getting out of the blocks early has never been more crucial for a New South Wales State of Origin side as it is this year, with the Blues looking (hoping? praying?) to avert an embarrassing fifth straight series loss in rugby league?s greatest contest.

The stats are stark: of the 28 series decided, Game One victors have progressed to seize the series on 20 occasions.

Other stats are similarly telling; the last time the Blues won Game One, in 2008, they muffed their challenge, losing both other games. And, worryingly, after once being on no-speaking terms with ANZ Stadium, the Maroons are now best mates with the venue, having won three of the past four games there.

Still, New South Wales? task has been made a tad easier with the withdrawal of Test hooker Cameron Smith, who failed to recover from his elbow injury sustained in the one-off Test against New Zealand a fortnight ago. His replacement, Manly?s Matt Ballin (1023 receives, second most in the NRL), is a capable and hands-on ruck organiser who was among his side?s best in their 2008 Grand Final victory over the Storm? but he?s no Cameron Smith.

The Queensland forwards are a tight unit and Smith has been the mainstay of their campaigns since debuting in 2003 ? he hasn?t missed a game and has played the past 19 Origins in succession. How much cohesion their forwards miss in Smith?s absence will be crucial.

The Blues have stuck fairly solid with the forward pack that won Game Three last year, subject to player availability and form. Out-of-sorts Eels prop Justin Poore makes way for Manly?s Josh Perry, while Penrith?s Luke Lewis beat out Sea Eagle Glenn Stewart for a bench spot.

Blues selectors have opted for some solid club combinations in the backline. Dragons? centre/wing duo Matt Cooper and Brett Morris will attack the left side, while Eels Timana Tahu and Jarryd Hayne will attack down the right.

After plenty of debate, captain Kurt Gidley retains his position in the Blues? starting line-up, while specialist Manly centre Jamie Lyon shifts one position in to assume Trent Barrett?s five-eighth spot.

The game also sees the Origin debut of Bulldogs centre Jamal Idris off the bench; the 115-kilogram 19-year-old is likely to be used as a ?shock troop?, coming on late in either half to target tired defences ? he has a whopping 61 tackle-breaks to date in 2010.

Queensland?s side is significantly different to their Game Three unit from last year. Justin Hodges is out injured (replaced by Willie Tonga, who played wing last year); Israel Folau and Petero Civoniceva return after sitting out the last game with injury; Nate Myles earns a recall after being banished; Ashley Harrison shifts from second row to assume Dallas Johnson?s lock position; and Rabbitoh David Taylor gets to make his Origin debut on the bench, in place of veteran Michael Crocker. And of course creative utility Karmichael Hunt is gone too.

Storm halfback Cooper Cronk gets the bench utility spot ? an important selection given Smith?s withdrawal and lingering doubts about halfback Johnathan Thurston?s ability to get through the game without further injuring his shoulder. Chances are Cronk will get plenty of game time.

Coach watch: Mal Meninga has an impressive 60 per cent winning record from his 10 games at the helm for Queensland. Meanwhile it?s a crossroads for Blues coach Craig Bellamy who enters with a 2-2 record.

Watch out New South Wales: A motivated Greg Inglis is a dangerous Greg Inglis. While the left-side centre started 2010 in quiet fashion, the Storm?s salary cap scandal and the step up to the representative scene has seen him explode over the past few weeks.

Inglis carved up the Kiwis in the one-off Test, making 10 tackle breaks and two offloads out wide. Timana Tahu will need to be at his defensive best or he?ll be exploited ? while Tahu is a renowned hard hitter with an awesome shoulder charge, it?s likely Inglis will get the ball earlier and deeper, enabling him room to move.

Elsewhere, shutting down line-breaks looms as a challenge for the Blues, with the Queensland side studded with individuals who are creating a heap of scoring opportunities for their club sides in 2010. The Maroons have three players in the top-10 for line-breaks in the NRL ? Willie Tonga (2nd with 10), Israel Folau (nine) and Billy Slater (eight). Also, Greg Inglis has four. Meanwhile the Blues have just Brett Morris (nine) in the top 10.

Winger Darius Boyd will need to be watched out of dummy-half ? he?s averaging 148 metres for the Dragons (albeit at fullback), with 66 tackle-breaks (almost seven a game). He?s also tallied 10 try assists.

Watch out Queensland: Plenty of critics have knocked Jarryd Hayne?s selection on the wing as a tremendous waste of his talent. We?re not buying that one bit. If he were in the no.1 in this game there would be a heap more pressure on him; he?s still learning how to defend as a fullback and Queensland would have targeted him remorselessly. But out on the wing he?ll be able to drift in and out of the play at his leisure, sizing up opportunities as they come.

The Blues have the luxury of mounting their set plays down the left edge, where Brett Morris has proven a terrier at scoring (11 tries, second in the NRL), and supporting the impulsive Hayne down the right.

While his workload won?t be as full-on as he?s delivered for the Eels in 2010 (most average metres gained with 161, plus 32 tackle breaks, 11 offloads, seven try assist) expect at least two magic moments from the game?s most electrifying talent.

Where it will be won: Having rained in Sydney for the past week and with the weather forecast for more rain into the middle of the week, this game will boil down to whoever can gain and maintain good field position and limit errors.

Neither side?s kickers can afford to have an off day with the boot when it comes to clearing kicks.

Also, the coaches? smart use of their interchanges will be crucial.

While the forecast suggests a slight chance of being fine on the night, the ANZ Stadium surface will be extremely heavy, and quite slippery. This being the case both sides will rely heavily on their props to grind out territory.

For NSW, Michael Weyman is averaging 100 metres in 42 minutes with 23 tackles and just two errors, Josh Perry 44 minutes for 98 metres with 20 tackles and one error, and from his three games Brett White?s returns are 43 minutes, 99 metres, 17 tackles and three errors (a worry).

For Queensland, Petero Civoniceva is averaging 53 minutes, 150 metres, 21 tackles and three errors; Matthew Scott 54 minutes, 119 metres, 23 tackles and two errors; Davis Shillington 48 minutes, 122 metres, 18 tackles and five errors (a worry).

On those figures you?d expect the Queensland forwards to play more minutes at a time, which could leave them fresher at the back end of the game.

The History: Played 87 (since 1980); NSW 41, Queensland 44, drawn 2. The Blues have been victorious in Game One of a series on 15 occasions to Queensland?s 13. But the Maroons have won the series opener three of the past five years.

Conclusion: Let?s face it, when you get to this level, with such a brilliant array of talent, there?s little to separate the sides. It all boils down to accelerating early, and keeping the foot on the pedal.

Smith?s withdrawal is a huge loss for the Maroons. With him on the paddock it looked an even contest, so with him gone the scales tip the way of the Blues? just!

Match officials: Referees ? Tony Archer & Shayne Hayne; Sideline Officials ? Paul Holland & David Abood; Video Refs ? Bill Harrigan and Paul Simpkins.

Televised: Channel Nine ? Live from 7.30pm.

Source: http://www.nrl.com/

[DIEHARD]

Underdog tag lapped up by Queensland

QUEENSLAND claimed back their favourite underdog tag yesterday as punters clamoured to jump on NSW to win the opening State of Origin in Sydney.

The late plunge on the Blues follows the scratching of Maroons hooker Cameron Smith and concerns over the fitness of star centre Greg Inglis.

Bookmakers are reporting almost unanimous support for the Blues, with Centrebet yesterday revealing 93 per cent of the money waged on the series opener was in favour of a NSW.

After opening at $2.25, the Blues yesterday tumbled into $1.94. Queensland have blown out from $1.66 to $1.85.

By last night some betting agencies had already installed NSW as favourites.

Maroons halfback Johnathan Thurston, who has played all but two of his 31 representative games for Queensland and Australia with Smith, said Queensland would head to Sydney today as first-game underdogs despite winning the past four series in a row.

"I'd say so," said Thurston when asked if Queensland were outsiders.

"I've only played two rep games in my career that I haven't played with Cam Smith, so he's been an important part of my rep career and obviously a very important part of this team.

"We're missing Hodgo (Justin Hodges) and a few other guys as well.

"Yeah, you could say we're heading in as underdogs -- they've got two games down in NSW and they'll certainly be fired up for that."

Thurston played down talk of get-squares from Game 3 last year when prop Steve Price was ironed out by NSW forward Brett White and things got out of control late in the game.

"They've picked a very ... strong pack and I think that is where they're going to try to dominate us," he said.

"They certainly did that last year but they don't have those enforcers there that have been there in the past."

"But they've got some big boys who'll roll forward for them.

"White is still aggressive, Ben Creagh is still aggressive and (Anthony) Watmough ... they've still got blokes there who can fire up."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Geyer: Smith a big loss

FORMER Blues firebrand Mark Geyer says the Maroons' aura of invincibility has worn off and is backing NSW to bring an era of Queensland domination to an end.

With Queensland missing Origin heroes Justin Hodges, Michael Crocker, Dallas Johnson, Brent Tate, Steve Price and Cameron Smith, Geyer said NSW had a golden opportunity to claim their first series since 2005 and stop the Maroons going five straight.

"Their aura is definitely not as profound as it has been in the past few years," he said.

"They have won four in a row but it is almost as if they are rebuilding their team this year.

"While they are still strong on paper, I can see some vulnerability about them.

"But history shows you that as soon as they put that Maroon jersey on they go from Clark Kent to Superman.

"We have got to be the kryptonite to stop them."

Geyer said the loss of hooker Smith in particular was a devastating blow for the Maroons' campaign.

"Before Smith was injured I think they were a 60-40 proposition to win the game but now I think it has got to be 50-50," said Geyer.

"He is that big of a loss.

"You only have to look at his club side.

"Without him they can't win the big games, so that definitely brings the Cane Toads back a peg.

"Being a home ground advantage to NSW, I think we are primed to take Round 1.

"We have got two games at home this year and it is a perfect opportunity to break the hoodoo."

The first 20 minutes at Sydney's ANZ Stadium is expected to be an intense period, especially considering the way the series descended into anarchy in Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium last year.

Best remembered for his fiery stoush with Queensland great Wally Lewis in the second game of the 1991 Origin series, Geyer anointed Blues back rower Anthony Watmough as the man to rock the Maroons.

"Watmough has got to be the seek and destroy merchant," said Geyer.

"He used to be one of those players who used to walk a very fine line.

"But now that line has thickened a bit and he knows when to pull back and when to go on with things.

"As an ex-NSW player I think we as a state tend to bag our team a bit too much.

"We have got to say 'enough is enough' and get behind our boys.

"They have picked the team they have picked -- now let's get on with it."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Seven still standing but they'll miss Cameron's calls

SEVEN members of Mal's Maroons who started Queensland's record Origin streak in 2006 will be part of a push for a fifth straight series win starting in Sydney tomorrow night.

It would have been eight had champion Melbourne hooker Cameron Smith not been forced to withdraw with an elbow injury, robbing him of his 20th straight Origin appearance.

The formula for Queensland's record success over NSW in recent years can be summed up in one word -- solidarity.

Johnathan Thurston (12 games) Smith (12), Petero Civoniceva (11), Nate Myles (11), Darren Lockyer (10), Greg Inglis (10), Sam Thaiday (9) and Matt Scott (2) were all graduates of rookie coach Meninga's class of 2006.

They went into camp at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast with a mission to stop NSW from pulling off an unprecedented fourth straight series win.

They stopped the Blues' run then went on to match it.

The Maroons were widely criticised for squandering a winning lead in the opening game of the series in Sydney in 2006 -- even though the final score-line was only 17-16.

But, with inspirational Lockyer at the helm, they hit back to win the series 2-1, thus ending the Blues' unbeaten run that started in 2003.

Smith and halfback Thurston played in all 12 games.

But the combination has been broken for the first time this year, with Smith to be replaced at hooker tomorrow by Manly rookie Matt Ballin.

Thurston emphasised the significance of Smith's loss yesterday, saying he had played all but two of his 31 representative games alongside him.

It's a similar story for Lockyer, Inglis and Billy Slater, all of whom have spent the past four or five years cashing in on Smith's service out of dummy half for Queensland and Australia.

It is no coincidence the Maroons have won eight of the past 12 Origin games and the past four series with Smith in the No.9 jumper.

They haven't lost a series since, with Smith's personal Origin win-loss record standing at 11-8 from 19 games

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[titanstattman]

Yeah doug ill be there
What time we showin up?

Blazer:thumbsup:

from 6.30....... GO BLUES

[DIEHARD]

Maroons Primed For Origin 1

MAL Meninga’s mighty Maroons arrived in enemy territory this afternoon to put the finishing touches to their preparations for Wednesday night’s opening State of Origin match.

After a productive week-long camp at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast, the relaxed XXXX Maroons squad arrived in Sydney shortly after 12noon.

Meninga fronted a big media contingent at the airport before the Maroons boarded a bus for Parramatta.

The record-breaking Origin coach backed rookie No. 9 Matt Ballin to handle the Origin pressure-cooker.

“He’s very composed. He’s played in big games, he’s been part of the system for the last couple of years,” Meninga said.

“He knows what it takes to wear the maroon jersey.”

Ballin looked sharp at training as the Maroons completed their final ball session at ANZ Stadium, the venue for the much anticipated opening match of the series.

Source: http://www.qrl.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Ballin, Maroon's pest controller

QUEENSLAND rookie Matt Ballin has been warned to expect a nightmare initiation to the State of Origin arena from Blues serial pest Michael Ennis.

Ballin's rival hooker takes great delight in frustrating opponents, often into error, and for the Bulldog commonly known as 'Ennis The Menace', a fresh face for the Maroons is the logical target.

"They've obviously picked me because of the football I play week in week out," said Ennis.

"That is competitive, to some people, in your face, annoying -- but it's how I play and that's why I'm here and I just have to do what I do every week but at another level."

With Queensland mainstay Cameron Smith succumbing to an elbow injury, Ballin has been given his shot at Origin for the Maroons.

Blues coach Craig Bellamy makes no apologies for instructing Ennis to try and put Manly's representative off his game on debut at ANZ Stadium in Sydney tonight.

"Michael's got his way of playing and that's why he's in the team, so that's what we want of him," said Bellamy.

Ennis beat his fierce rival Robbie Farah to get the job for the Blues.

Selectors wanted his added mongrel, which clearly annoyed Queensland as New South Wales won Game 3 last year.

Ennis admits if the Maroons don't come off the field hating him tonight then he hasn't done his job.

"There's no doubt that probably a lot of guys in their team don't like me but that doesn't worry me," said Ennis.

"My main focus is that I'll do anything that's required of me for these 17 blokes (to win).

"We've obviously been picked because we can go to another level and it's important we bring that Wednesday night and as I said, you've got to do whatever it takes."

While the Blues think Ballin can be rattled before a 70,000-plus crowd, the Maroons rookie has the backing of his coach Mal Meninga.

Meninga believes Ballin's grand final experience with the Sea Eagles will help him handle the Origin arena.

"He's very composed, he's played in big games, he's been part of the system for the last couple of years," said Meninga.

"He knows what it takes to wear the Maroon jersey. He still has to get out there and experience what Origin's all about but I firmly believe that he's up to it."

Ballin has been with the Maroons since the beginning of camp, but only got the nod for a start when Smith pulled out on Sunday.

"He's the best hooker in the world, he's the leader of the Melbourne Storm, an integral part of the Queensland and Australian sides of recent times ... he's an invaluable player for all sides," said Meninga.

"We can't replace Cameron but we've got a very good player in Matty Ballin coming in and he'll do the job in his own fashion."

For Ennis and the Blues, the pain of four straight series defeats has galvanised this side.

Victory in Game 3 last year restored some pride but the thought of letting a fifth straight series go to Queensland is unbearable.

"I don't think anyone will probably need to say that," said Ennis.

"I think everyone knows that and feels that way. They've had enough of losing and we've been given an opportunity as a group to change that."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Not the best news weather-wise for Origin 1! Wet weather should favour the Blues.

Wednesday: Rain periods, heavy at times, chiefly in the afternoon. The chance of thunderstorms. Light winds tending fresh southeasterly during the morning, strong and gusty along the coast.

[Ryan]

White substance investigation at Blues training
Wednesday 25th May 2010 7am
By Harry Hardman


Game day training was interupted at the Blues camp this morning after a white powder substance was found on the field.

All blues players and staff denied any knowledge of what it was and where it came from. Forensic police were called in to identify the substance, which was later found to be the try line.

[DIEHARD]

HAHAHAHA! Nice one Ryan.

Facebook is a great playground for dumping on the Blues. Should mean everyone is ready for some ORIGIN tonight!

[DIEHARD]

WOOHOO! QUEENSLANDER!

Queensland played smarter and with more belief. Every Maroon played well, there was no lemons tonight.

Ballin was tremendous for us and really surprised me. The conditions helped him.

I was really worried that we would be ambushed in Sydney. Blues hold a massive home ground advantage and the wet weather could have favoured their bulkier line up.

How pleased are the Maroons to call a player like Cronk a utility?

Blues really need massive changes, starting with Gidley. Hayne must be fullback, bring in Jennings.... ah who cares. ;)

I can't wait for Game 2 at Lang Park! Thank god I can go. My brother had a spare ticket!

[Adelaide Titan]

good win!

5 in a row...? now that would piss NSW right off LOL

[Titan2007]

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/05/27/221735_print_friendly.html

Ash Harrison pure muscle and grit
Luke Turgeon | May 27th, 2010

STATE of Origin is built on blokes like Ash Harrison.

Selfless, honest and tireless -- three traits sewn into the very fabric from which the Maroon jumper is made.

For every superstar who claims the accolades and the glory with the spectacular tries and match-winning plays, there is a Harrison.

You will find him desperately making last-gasp tackles, running decoy lines in between carting the ball up when his mates are out on their feet.

Last night against the Blues in Sydney, Harrison showed exactly why his teammates love lining up alongside him, even though those sitting at home may have taken little notice of the man with the No.13 on his back.

There he was in the fifth minute, taking the thankless opening hit up after the first penalty of the game.

No glory, just a wall of Blue jumpers waiting to bash him.

A few minutes later he popped up again, making four consecutive tackles in the one set of six, desperately trying to stop NSW's march downfield.

His courage was on show when he got flattened by fresh Blues backrower Luke Lewis after passing the ball six minutes from the break.

All it took was a couple of seconds on his haunches and up he got. Billy Slater scored the very next tackle.

Four minutes from half-time he was there again, leading a 60m chase from a booming Johnathan Thurston kick. He chopped Kurt Gidley down where he stood.

As the rain finally eased and the Maroons headed into the sheds, Harrison was second on the tackle count with 23 hits, not one miss.

When he was given his first rest of the night midway through the second half, coach Mal Meninga had sensed all the hard work was done.

Off came Harrison, in came Dave Taylor. Queensland had worn out the Blues, Harrison had completed every objective of his largely unseen mission.

But when the momentum swung with just under 10 minutes remaining and Blues rookie Jamal Idris crashed over in the corner, there were no prizes for guessing who Meninga sent out to shore up the Maroons defence -- Harrison.

One of the first things he did was sit NSW giant Tom Learoyd-Lahrs on his backside.

When the going gets tough, get Harrison.

He does the same week in, week out for the Titans.

He prides himself on consistency, toughness and durability.

After a decade in the NRL and more than 200 first grade games, the 29-year-old is showing no signs of slowing, he keeps getting better.

He is 95kg of heart and guts, 186cm of courage.

When an Origin game is on the line, you want a guy like Darren Lockyer in your team.

But you need a bloke like Harrison by his side.

[titanstattman]

QLD played well 5 trys to 4 but but every1 on here must admit that the locky try shouldnt of happend.. Watmough never played at the ball to get another set of six.. All he did was put his hands up to cover his face... Im not blaming ref for anything but that was the rost call of the night.... and there was few bad ones going both ways......

[Cowboy Titan]

QLD played well 5 trys to 4 but but every1 on here must admit that the locky try shouldnt of happend.. Watmough never played at the ball to get another set of six.. All he did was put his hands up to cover his face... Im not blaming ref for anything but that was the rost call of the night.... and there was few bad ones going both ways......It does go both ways though. There was a bad call early on when Harrison got pinged for offside when Willie Tonga never touched the ball. That incorrect penalty could have changed the result as well.

[kwigibo]

Watmough clearly played at the ball. Thurston got pinged for playing at it when he tackled a blue who dropped it backwards because of the stupid new interpretation that making a tackle is playing at the ball. Watmough put his hands up as he was running at the kicker, he knew what he was doing, it didn't hit him in the back of the head or anything.

[titansrawesome]

QLD played well 5 trys to 4 but but every1 on here must admit that the locky try shouldnt of happend.. Watmough never played at the ball to get another set of six.. All he did was put his hands up to cover his face... Im not blaming ref for anything but that was the rost call of the night.... and there was few bad ones going both ways......

the ben creagh try should not of happened or the hayne one or the watmough one.......

[titanstattman]

QLD played well 5 trys to 4 but but every1 on here must admit that the locky try shouldnt of happend.. Watmough never played at the ball to get another set of six.. All he did was put his hands up to cover his face... Im not blaming ref for anything but that was the rost call of the night.... and there was few bad ones going both ways......

I did say it went both ways didnt i im sure i did....

Iv watch the reply afew times and he was running sideways and he never stuck his hands out only up to bloke his face.....

[kwigibo]

Iv watch the reply afew times and he was running sideways and he never stuck his hands out only up to bloke his face.....

That qualifies as playing at the ball. Matt Scott didn't even put his hands up, he just got sconned by the ball, and it was 6 again, but he was running out to pressure the kicker so fair enough.