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DIEHARD
30-04-12, 01:12 AM
New South Wales vs Queensland

DIEHARD
30-04-12, 01:13 AM
Petero Civoniceva faces shock axing from Maroons for State of Origin I

QUEENSLAND State of Origin selectors could overlook veteran prop Petero Civoniceva for Game One, not because of form but because they only want three front-rowers instead of the traditional four.

Civoniceva had his best game of the season in Brisbane's win over Gold Coast Titans on Friday night, making more metres and hit-ups than in any of his previous games this year.

But despite his increased output, the versatility of Sam Thaiday and Dave Taylor, plus a wish to get Matt Gillett into the Maroons team, could see Civoniceva become the hard-luck story of Game One.

There are three prop certainties for the Maroons in Test regulars Ben Hannant, David Shillington and Matt Scott, who should return from a foot injury for North Queensland Cowboys this weekend.

The first State of Origin game in Melbourne is less than a month away.

Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris said if the management decided to go with a fourth prop, Civoniceva was in the frame along with his Broncos teammate Josh McGuire.

"Good players are going to miss out. Players who would normally be a shoo-in might miss out unless there's an injury or two," Morris said.

"Selecting this team will cause a lot of headaches. We might not go with four props which means someone will miss out.

"The balance of those forwards will be critical and we are fortunate enough to have players who are versatile."

Civoniceva has played more State of Origins and Tests than any other player in history.

As if to prove he was still built for the game's greatest arena, Civoniceva ramped up his statistics in the Broncos' 26-6 triumph over the Titans.

In 41 minutes, he made 17 hit-ups for 147m. In six games previously this season, the 36-year-old had not made more than 12 hit-ups in a match.

Civoniceva recently admitted he had made a slow start to the year, as shown in round 4 when he had just five hit-ups in 34 minutes.

Australian selectors shunned him for last weekend's Anzac Test against New Zealand, opting for Paul Gallen in the front-row with Shillington.

Morris said the prospect of selecting former Samoan international Josh McGuire had been discussed.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport

GoldCoastTitans100
01-05-12, 04:04 PM
I think NSW have the team this year to have a fair chance, but that being said they will not pick the right team.

Princey's Titanz
01-05-12, 06:48 PM
Petero not playing is not a shock selection. He has been ordinary. Maroons have more talented forwards that they can rely on.

Rage
01-05-12, 08:54 PM
I think NSW have the team this year to have a fair chance, but that being said they will not pick the right team.

Hayne better not be the 6...

Nick
01-05-12, 09:04 PM
Up Up the Blues.. Gidley injured is a massive positive. Hopefully Stewart at FB, Hayne in centres or wing. And no bedsey.

Titanic
01-05-12, 10:27 PM
NSW always have a 50/50 chance, that's rugby league plus they have the majority of players to choose from, that makes it 65/35, plus the Blues have the referees that makes it 80/20 but Queenslanders have spirit, that makes it 7 straight.

Princey's Titanz
02-05-12, 05:49 AM
NSW always have a 50/50 chance, that's rugby league plus they have the majority of players to choose from, that makes it 65/35, plus the Blues have the referees that makes it 80/20 but Queenslanders have spirit, that makes it 7 straight.

Or qld you have Smith, Cronk, Slater, Thursto.

Titanic
03-05-12, 06:53 PM
Or qld you have Smith, Cronk, Slater, Thursto.

Yep ... we also had them before they were stars and when nobody else wanted them ... they are Queensland manufactured ... we showed faith in their development and until you guys can bite the bullet and follow suit then you will always face the dramas you face now.

The Blues theme song should be the Sticky-Ricky ...

you put your best player in,
you take your best player out,
you put another player in and then shake them all about
you do the Sticky-Ricky and fill them full of doubt
that's what it's all about.

Oh, Sticky-Ricky-Ricky ... anyway you get the idea :laugh:

hatchy84
03-05-12, 08:07 PM
Yep ... we also had them before they were stars and when nobody else wanted them ... they are Queensland manufactured ... we showed faith in their development and until you guys can bite the bullet and follow suit then you will always face the dramas you face now.

The Blues theme song should be the Sticky-Ricky ...

you put your best player in,
you take your best player out,
you put another player in and then shake them all about
you do the Sticky-Ricky and fill them full of doubt
that's what it's all about.

Oh, Sticky-Ricky-Ricky ... anyway you get the idea :laugh:

I'm a blues and that is gold should we start singing that about carty? Oh that's right he doesn't put players in to take them out

Chaos
04-05-12, 01:36 PM
Yep ... we also had them before they were stars and when nobody else wanted them ... they are Queensland manufactured ... we showed faith in their development and until you guys can bite the bullet and follow suit then you will always face the dramas you face now.

The Blues theme song should be the Sticky-Ricky ...

you put your best player in,
you take your best player out,
you put another player in and then shake them all about
you do the Sticky-Ricky and fill them full of doubt
that's what it's all about.

Oh, Sticky-Ricky-Ricky ... anyway you get the idea :laugh:


Thats a beauty...I'll be singing that at work

GoldCoastTitans100
05-05-12, 08:43 AM
Yep ... we also had them before they were stars and when nobody else wanted them ... they are Queensland manufactured ... we showed faith in their development and until you guys can bite the bullet and follow suit then you will always face the dramas you face now.

The Blues theme song should be the Sticky-Ricky ...

you put your best player in,
you take your best player out,
you put another player in and then shake them all about
you do the Sticky-Ricky and fill them full of doubt
that's what it's all about.

Oh, Sticky-Ricky-Ricky ... anyway you get the idea :laugh:

That's brilliant ! :laugh:

Titanic
06-05-12, 05:18 PM
Thanks guys ... obviously too much time on my hands.

DIEHARD
13-05-12, 03:08 PM
NSW team about to be announced.

The Birdman
13-05-12, 04:41 PM
Decent team apart from Buhrer and Creagh. Would have included Tariq Sims and Tim Mannah instead. (Watmough injured apparently)

Smakked
13-05-12, 05:21 PM
Surprised not to see Sims or Mannah on the side, i still dont think we can beat QLD tho unfortunately.

Princey's Titanz
13-05-12, 05:26 PM
NSW squad (in alphabetical order): Greg Bird, Jamie Buhrer, Todd Carney, Ben Creagh, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (capt), Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Trent Merrin, Josh Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, James Tamou, Tony Williams, Akuila Uate.

Princey's Titanz
13-05-12, 05:28 PM
I have high hopes that this year is the year. Im happy that Tim Mannah isnt in the team. I think they shouldve pick Ryan Hinchcliffe ahead of Jamie Buhrer. Sims shouldve been in the team.

Rage
13-05-12, 05:46 PM
As long as Hayne isn't in the 6, I have some high hopes for this year as well

Smakked
13-05-12, 05:57 PM
I dont hold much hope because Farrah is there, he is to sookie to play origin.

DIEHARD
13-05-12, 06:03 PM
Who cares, it's the New South Wales team!

Julius Sezer
13-05-12, 06:16 PM
Who cares, it's the New South Wales team!

Awks cos you opened this thread. :D

DIEHARD
13-05-12, 06:28 PM
Awks cos you opened this thread. :D

It's the Queensland team that matters.

Princey's Titanz
13-05-12, 06:44 PM
NSW forward pack is going to be more agile then QLD's. Getting alot of ball to speedstar Morris, Hayne, Jennings & Uate will be the key.

Titanic
13-05-12, 08:45 PM
Slater, Tate, Hodges, Inglis, Boyd, Thurston, Cronk, Civinoceva, Smith, Scott, Myles, Thaiday, Harrison ... Shillington, Hannant, Taylor, Gillett (Barba 18th).

If Hodges doesn't make it then Tate in the centres and Barba on the wing ... everybody is talking up DCE but I just can't see the value over Barba ... mind you, I think Harrison shouldn't be in the side at all.

DIEHARD
13-05-12, 11:28 PM
If Hodges doesn't make it then Tate in the centres and Barba on the wing ... everybody is talking up DCE but I just can't see the value over Barba ... mind you, I think Harrison shouldn't be in the side at all.

I agree. Love to see Barba playing in the Maroon.

Chaos
14-05-12, 03:59 PM
Slater, Tate, Hodges, Inglis, Boyd, Thurston, Cronk, Civinoceva, Smith, Scott, Myles, Thaiday, Harrison ... Shillington, Hannant, Taylor, Gillett (Barba 18th).

If Hodges doesn't make it then Tate in the centres and Barba on the wing ... everybody is talking up DCE but I just can't see the value over Barba ... mind you, I think Harrison shouldn't be in the side at all.

I'd also love to see Barba in a Maroon jersey but we haven't used that type of player (Matt Bowen) in the past.

I disagree with a lot of people regarding Cherry Evens...he is strong, has pace and can defend in the front line.
I haven't seen Barba defend in the front line and wouldn't risk it in Origin
Cherry Evens would cover more positions then Barba.

Princey's Titanz
14-05-12, 05:40 PM
Cherry Evens would cover more positions then Barba.

Like what wing and fullback?

Titanic
14-05-12, 06:05 PM
Slater, Tate, Hodges, Inglis, Boyd, Thurston, Cronk, Civinoceva, Smith, Scott, Myles, Thaiday, Harrison ... Shillington, Hannant, Taylor, Gillett (Barba 18th).

If Hodges doesn't make it then Tate in the centres and Barba on the wing ... everybody is talking up DCE but I just can't see the value over Barba ... mind you, I think Harrison shouldn't be in the side at all.

aced it

1. Billy Slater
2. Darius Boyd
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Brent Tate
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matthew Scott
9. Cameron Smith (captain)
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. Nate Myles
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Ashley Harrison

Interchange:
14. Matt Gillett
15. David Taylor
16. Ben Hannant
17. David Shillington
18. Daly Cherry-Evans
19. Dane Nielsen

Princey's Titanz
14-05-12, 06:08 PM
aced it

1. Billy Slater
2. Darius Boyd
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Brent Tate
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matthew Scott
9. Cameron Smith (captain)
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. Nate Myles
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Ashley Harrison

Interchange:
14. Matt Gillett
15. David Taylor
16. Ben Hannant
17. David Shillington
18. Daly Cherry-Evans
19. Dane Nielsen

What happened to Corey Parker?

Chaos
14-05-12, 06:13 PM
What happened to Corey Parker?

Spends half his time on his back...we want quick play-the-balls!

Smakked
14-05-12, 07:17 PM
Jee thats a shocking looking side QLD put out, no hope i say.

Titanic
15-05-12, 12:15 PM
What happened to Corey Parker?

He's training for a running backwards race with Creagh.

TITAN PETE
17-05-12, 09:37 AM
Five crucial Origin I match-ups

Greg Alexander NRL.com Thu, May 17, 2012 - 8:20 AM


It is time to say what most people believe is impossible. Yes, NSW can win this year's State of Origin series.

Despite them being written off by the media, critics, fans and bookmakers, I like the look of this Blues side and I certainly like how coach Ricky Stuart has prepared for the three-game series.

It has been a meticulously planned preparation and NSW will be looking for a good old-fashioned ambush next Wednesday night in Melbourne.

But to win, NSW's star players must get the better of their high-profile Queensland opponents - they must score individual victories.

Here are what I believe to be the five biggest and most crucial match-ups for Origin I.

ROBBIE FARAH v CAMERON SMITH

There has been so much written and said about Farah but I'm glad he secured the hooking spot.

His creativity and kicking game will be invaluable to NSW and he formed a strong partnership with halfback Mitchell Pearce in the City side.

Farah's form has been good for Wests Tigers without being spectacular. We need a team that can score points and Farah is a dummy half with halfback skills.

Although he mightn?t be the player directly responsible for getting us across the line, his work out of dummy half with the forward pack will be the key to getting the Maroons defence on the back foot ? creating room for the halves and the speed men on the edges. It all starts at the ruck.

Smith, well, what more can you say? He is one of the finest, if not the best, hooker of the modern era. He?s arguably been the most important member of the team during their six series wins. He?ll lead the Maroons this time around and through his efforts will look to continue the dominance they?ve had over NSW in the middle of the field.

Farah v Smith will be an enthralling battle. Farah will have to be at his very best in the Origin furnace to come out on top.

TONY WILLIAMS v DAVE TAYLOR

Can you imagine the 240kgs collision here! Without doubt the two most destructive forwards in the game. The selection of Williams is a gamble though, with him having not played for just on nine weeks when he runs on to Etihad Stadium. Having said that I thought it was a necessary risk. Potentially he is a match winner, his ability to bust a defensive line with that massive frame makes him a unique X-factor the Blues have been lacking.

I just hope he?s been training as hard as the Sea Eagles say he?s been, because watching him do some work at Penrith on Monday afternoon he did look extra big. With the pace an Origin game is played at, I can only imagine Ricky Stuart getting 15-20 minutes maximum each half out of the Manly monster. Let?s hope that?s enough.

Taylor has been in grand form for Souths. He is probably playing the best football of his career. Big, fast and aggressive - Dave Taylor is made for State of Origin. This match-up will shake Etihad Stadium.

TODD CARNEY v JOHNATHAN THURSTON

Carney's performances have improved every game for Cronulla and he enters this match in sparkling form. His passing and running games are certainly back to where they were in 2010 when Carney won the Dally M Medal and guided the Sydney Roosters to the NRL grand final. I don?t know whether he?ll get the space to drift across the field that he does so successfully at club level, but he?s shown he can tear defences apart by playing direct and using that big right foot step.

Either way, Carney possess the game to be a huge threat to the Queenslanders.

I also like the fact he will link with Pearce - his good mate - again at the NSW scrum-base. The pair were magic together in 2010 at Bondi.

Thurston, the best No.7 in the game for so many years, now becomes the best five-eighth in the game. The player that asks more questions of a defensive line than any other in the competition comes into Origin in great form. Making him all the more dangerous will be his motivation to impress in Darren Lockyer?s old No.6 Maroons jumper. His desire to do everything he possibly can, with or without the ball, to get his team home is just another reason why he?s so special.

I reckon this match-up will be absolutely sensational and game-defining.

BRETT STEWART v BILLY SLATER

The Prince of Queensland against the Prince of Brookvale. Slater v Stewart ... does rugby league really get any better?

Brett Stewart deserves his place. He had some hot competition from Josh Dugan and Anthony Minichiello but the Sea Eagles' no.1 fended off the challenges and re-enters State of Origin.

I have seen Stewart make a few dashes for Manly in recent weeks and he looks to have lost none of his electric speed. Stewart can punish any side from long distance and is a wonderful support player.

Slater is a freak. There is no better. He can do it all. And what's worse for NSW, he loves to perform on the big stage.

Aside from his speed, Slater has a fabulous football brain. He is so instinctive. These two have battled in some memorable club games and grand finals over the years. Here were go again.

PAUL GALLEN v MATT SCOTT

Gallen will lead NSW from the front - that is a comforting thought. If you want anyone out in front at Origin level it would be Paul Gallen.

What a motor this bloke has!

It is hard to recall a player who can power through his work each week like Gallen. Sharks fans say he is Superman and it's kind of hard to argue. Gallen will play in the middle third again - an area where he can roll up his sleeves and rip in, just how he loves it. He won't give an inch and he won't leak a metre.

Some argue Scott is the best prop in the game, and that was certainly true last year. Hasn?t had much of a chance to back that up this year yet, having missed a good chunk of the first 10 rounds through injury. Might be a touch underdone but has been super in recent series and will again lead the Queensland pack.

The all-important battle up front could come down to which one of these two gains the ascendency

***

WHILE Origin will dominate headlines over the next few weeks, I want to have a quick say on expansion. It seems the NRL is looking at creating two additional teams either from south-east Queensland, central Queensland, Perth or the NSW central coast.

I have concerns though about whether the game has enough quality players to fill another two clubs. We will need to find another 50-odd first graders... do we have them? I say no.

And sucking 50 players from the system will only weaken the existing clubs.

Look, expansion will happen at some point but I just hope the commission doesn't rush into a decision.

I think the Super Rugby competition is a classic example. They just don't have the players to fill five Australian franchises and the standard of the game suffers.

Yes, there are players who would stay if there were extra teams rather than head to England, but the game needs quality. And if we cannot fill two new teams with quality, then I think expansion at this point in time would damage the game.

DIEHARD
17-05-12, 03:35 PM
If anything sparks NSW it will be Carney and he will be around for years to come.

C-Whiz
20-05-12, 09:28 AM
If anything sparks NSW it will be Carney and he will be around for years to come.I agree. This could be the most creative NSW team for a while.

Anyway, bookies are giving away money next Wednesday. I just picked up $1.48 straight for Qld, among some other specials. Should be able to get back some of my Titans loses on game 1. :thumbsup:

Titanic
20-05-12, 10:42 AM
A spark to Todd Carney is akin to lighting a fart.

DIEHARD
22-05-12, 07:03 PM
Kenny tips Carney to test Qld Origin team

Blues legend Brett Kenny has declared rookie NSW five-eighth Todd Carney is the man who can rattle the record-breaking Queensland team in the State of Origin series opener.

Kenny warns that Carney is a very different proposition to any other Blues five-eighth Queensland have met during their six straight series wins.

He says the more mature Carney seen in the NRL this season possesses the running and kicking game to heap pressure on the Maroons' defence at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

"He tries things. He's always attacking the line and running towards the line, unlike last year when they had Jamie Soward who just caught the ball and passed it which allowed Queensland to focus on the man outside him," said Kenny on the eve of Carney's eagerly-awaited Origin debut.

"With Carney, they're going to have to be very aware of what he does and he's got such a dangerous sidestep as well.

"There a lot of pressure on him but he's clearly been the best NSW five-eighth running around in the competition and it's great to see they've given him an opportunity."

Himself a wonderful attacking five-eighth, Kenny played 17 Origin games for the Blues, sharing some memorable duels with Wally Lewis.

He believed the fact Carney had played alongside halfback Mitchell Pearce at the Sydney Roosters before his switch to Cronulla would prove a huge bonus in the noisy, hectic Origin arena where players often have to rely on instinct.

Kenny feels Carney can create some openings for the dangerous set of players outside him.

"The thing I really like about Carney is he's always running towards the line or drifting across field a bit with the ball out in front of him, always looking to do something.

"You look at the guys we (NSW) have got in the backs with Josh Morris, a strong runner, Michael Jennings who's quick and agile and Brett Stewart at the back.

"I'd like to see (coach) Ricky Stuart give Jarryd Hayne a roving role and not stay on the wing.

"Can you imagine Hayne drifting out on the right or left-hand side and Stewart and one of those centres with him and Carney dictating play with the ball in hand and Queensland having those four guys to worry about?"

Kenny suggested Justin Hodges could be targeted by the Blues' attack while fellow giant Queensland centre Greg Inglis might find it tougher back in the midfield after enjoying the extra space at fullback for South Sydney.

"I think Justin Hodges is not in great form, he's had some injuries and he's been struggling a bit. I think he struggled in the Test match," he said.

"Greg Inglis has been playing well but he's (been) playing fullback and he won't have as much room to move back in the centres.

"If our forwards can contain Queensland, I think we're a good chance to beat them out wide with Carney calling the shots."

One thing Kenny hopes - win, lose or draw - is that Stuart and fellow NSW selectors stick with the players for the entire series.

"No matter what the result, let's keep this team together unless there are injuries," he said.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

DIEHARD
22-05-12, 07:05 PM
Standing room only left for Origin I

With 53,000 seats already sold, only standing tickets and restricted view seats remain for the 2012 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series opener in Melbourne in 10 days.

All previously available tickets for the May 23 match at Etihad Stadium have been sold on the eve of team announcements for the NSW VB Blues today (Sunday) and Queensland XXXX Maroons tomorrow night.

The last time State of Origin was held in Melbourne, for Game 1 of the 2009 Series, 50,967 witnessed the Maroons defeat the Blues 28-18 at Etihad Stadium, while an average of 2.322 million viewers across the five capital cities tuned in to watch the series opener.

ARL Commission General Manager of Marketing and Commercial, Mr Paul Kind, said: ?Once again Melbourne has proved to be a great choice to hold one of our marquee events.

?Not only do interstate Rugby League fans love coming to Melbourne, it is also a reflection of the continued growth of the game?s fan base in Victoria with strong local support.

?It is a credit to the Melbourne Storm and also the Victorian Government and a great advertisement for our game?s nationwide appeal that we have been able to have standing tickets and restricted view seats only available 10 days before kick-off.

?We expect more than 15,000 people to travel from NSW and Queensland for this match which qualifies State of Origin in Melbourne as one of Australia?s leading events in terms of economic return to the State hosting the event.?

The Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, said the impressive ticket sales reflected Melbourne's ability to draw big crowds to top quality sporting events.

"State of Origin is such a wonderful spectacle where fans are treated to the excitement of competition of state against state, mate against mate," Mr Delahunty said.

"We're very much looking forward to welcoming visitors from interstate to enjoy a great match, right here in the sporting events capital of the world.

"It's wonderful to see such a strong response, and I urge those who haven't yet purchased a ticket, to be quick to secure a place to see the Maroons and the Blues battle it out at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 23rd of May."

Both the standing room tickets and the impeded view seats have been released for sale because of the high demand generated for the event.

The cost of the standing room tickets is $30. The tickets will be available through Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.au/origin

Source: http://www.nrl.com

Smakked
23-05-12, 05:30 AM
Game Day

GO the Blues :D

Titanic
23-05-12, 08:55 AM
GO the Blues :D

I thought New Zealand wore black?

TITAN PETE
23-05-12, 11:04 AM
State of Origin Game One preview

NRL.com Mon, May 21, 2012 - 10:30 AM


Play Toyota Origin Dream Team
New South Wales v Queensland
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Wednesday 8.10pm

The preparation and the posturing are over: it’s time to see whether the Maroons will take their first steps towards extending their six-year dynasty, or whether the Blues will open the shutters on a new dawn in State of Origin.

Committed and passionate Queensland may have an overwhelming record since 2005 but New South Wales players and fans will take great heart from the statistic that shows the Blues have lost a second half just once in their past six encounters in the Origin cauldron – including winning the past four straight and drawing the second 40 in Game One, 2010.

But on the flip side of the coin that only goes to show how dominant Queensland have been from the outset.

New South Wales will be keen for the lion’s share of applause from the sell-out crowd at Etihad Stadium, with powerbrokers hoping the shift away from ANZ Stadium for the series opener doesn’t hand Queensland an advantage even before the time-on whistle blows.

But there’s been drama in their lead-up, with skipper Paul Gallen only getting the green light to take his place after training strongly on Sunday, having shown no signs of the thigh muscle injury that hampered his preparation last week.

The Blues have gambled on a few fronts with their selections, placing huge faith in Manly’s Tony Williams who hasn’t played in two months after being suspended in Round 3. While that is an indication of how highly Williams is valued as an impact player, other selections have been forced by injuries to key candidates: with Danny Buderus and Kurt Gidley unavailable, coach Ricky Stuart has thrown hooker Robbie Farah – who hasn’t appeared on this stage since 2009 – a representative lifeline while also blooding Manly utility Jamie Buhrer.

Just eight Blues players remain from the 17 that lost 34-24 in Game Three last July. Brett Stewart returns in the No.1, with Jarryd Hayne shifting from the centres to oust Brett Morris on the left wing. Josh Morris will suit up at right centre following the retirement of Mark Gasnier, with Todd Carney reuniting with former Roosters teammate Mitchell Pearce in the halves in his Origin debut.

Front-rower James Tamou makes his Blues debut after playing for the Kangaroos in April. Luke Lewis starts in the second row, bumping Ben Creagh to the interchange. Trent Merrin, Williams and Buhrer round out their bench.

Meanwhile Queensland have largely stuck solid to the unit that got the job done in 2011 – although it’s the first time in 15 years they’ll run onto the field without Darren Lockyer. His retirement sees Johnathan Thurston shift to five-eighth, a role he’s filled with skill through 10 NRL games, with Cooper Cronk elevated from the bench to assume the No.7.

Jharal Yow-Yeh’s season-ending ankle injury sees Brent Tate return to the squad on the wing after last representing in 2008.

David Shillington’s good form and availability ensures his inclusion on the bench at the expense of Jacob Lillyman; ditto Rabbitoh Dave Taylor for Corey Parker.

Bronco Matt Gillett is their only debutant, filling the utility role on the bench.

Should the Maroons prevail on Wednesday night it will be a huge blow to the Blues’ hopes of ending Queensland’s dominance – they’ve gone on to secure an Origin series after losing the opener just twice, in 1994 and 2005.

Watch Out Blues: The psychic connection between Melbourne trio Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith is bound to create migraines. In particular the combination between Slater and Cronk will need to be monitored, with inside shifts, pinpoint kicks and short passes all on the menu.

Throw in Johnathan Thurston and the Maroons boast an overwhelming advantage on exposed attacking form: ‘JT’ and Cronk rank first and second in the NRL for try assists and line-break assists, with a combined 29 and 24 in those categories respectively. By comparison Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney have combined for just 15 in each category.

New South Wales can’t afford to let Queensland assert an early advantage – the Maroons have led at halftime every game in the past two series. The Blues have shown great character to mount comebacks but with the exception of Game Two last year it’s been too little too late. The Blues simply have to head to halftime with their noses in front.

Josh Morris, playing out of position at right centre, has the task ahead containing the explosive Greg Inglis, who leads all players for line-breaks (11) and will be particularly dangerous attracting attention inside the Blues’ 10-metre zone.

Danger Sign: If the Maroons roll through the middle third of the field in the opening exchanges it will set things up for their outside backs to cut loose. Even when NSW triumphed in Game Two last year the Maroons still won the battle for territory in the first 40 minutes. In particular their battering rams Petero Civoniveva and Matthew Scott need to be felled early: the pair combined for a whopping 323 metres last Origin game.

Watch Out Maroons: In Paul Gallen and James Tamou the Blues have a front row that can really put it to the Maroons. Gallen leads all-comers for territory in 2012, averaging 205 metres – including a staggering 248 metres in two appearances at prop for the Sharks. Meanwhile Tamou averages 151 metres up front for the Cowboys.

If the Blues get on top early and the Maroons’ alarmingly high rate of missed tackles in second halves continues, NSW will be right in the contest: Queensland missed 22 tackles in the last 40 minutes of Game One last year and 32 in Game Two – plus a whopping 43 in the final game of 2010.

The Maroons will find Todd Carney a totally different proposition to Jamie Soward at five-eighth. Carney will take on the line a lot more and can break tackles and offload too. The key will be to minimise the time he has to make decisions while offering a unified defensive line.

Tony Williams can be the game-changer: in his three NRL games he’s made four line-breaks and 25 tackle busts.

Danger Sign: Jarryd Hayne’s individual brilliance and ball-playing skills have the potential to swing the game for the Blues. He averages almost one line-break in each of his 13 games in the sky blue, plus he’s made nine offloads, 94 tackle-breaks, and an impressive 142.2 metres a match. If Hayne heads infield and makes inroads inside the Maroons’ 20, just watch the Blues’ confidence soar.

Plays To Watch: Brett Stewart supporting out wide and saving tries (17 so far in 2012); Robbie Farah’s creativity out of dummy-half; Glenn Stewart’s playmaking on the right edge; Thurston’s show-and-go, especially on the left edge which will enable him to unleash his lethal left-foot sidestep; Dave Taylor’s unpredictability on either edge of the field, with belated offloads and even grubbers; Sam Thaiday’s hit-and-spin at the defensive line before offloading wide; Cameron Smith hitting short-side runners.

Michael Jennings v Justin Hodges: It will be interesting to see how Jennings responds after being dumped to NSW Cup a fortnight ago. At his best he’s a dynamite force – as illustrated by his try, game-high 11 tackle busts and three line-breaks in NSW’s narrow loss in Game One last year. He has incredible pace off the mark and his sidestep and swerve are among the best in the game. Meanwhile Hodges is a threat out wide or in close – he averages 100 metres in Origins and his right-foot sidestep will test Jennings’ nerve. Hodges will also be used out of dummy-half often, looking to catch out tiring defenders and providing the big Maroons forwards a breather. He has made the third-most dummy-half dashes in 2012.

Where It Will Be Won: Consistency, building pressure and not affording the opposition any relief.

Last series serves as a barometer: in Origin I last year the Maroons completed 83 per cent of their sets to the Blues’ miserable 63 per cent. They made half as many errors as the Blues’ 16. Three weeks later NSW won the completions 89 per cent to 83 per cent. Again, the winning (Blues) side made half as many errors – five to the Maroons’ 10. And in Game Three, Queensland wrapped up the series registering an 84 per cent to 71 per cent completion rate.

A look at the rap sheets from Game Three shows Johnathan Thurston (four errors), Mitchell Pearce (two errors) and Sam Thaiday (two errors and two penalties conceded) need to watch their steps.

The History: Played 93 (since 1980); Queensland 49, NSW 42, drawn 2. Queensland have won three of the five games played in Melbourne and have won both clashes at Etihad Stadium.

The Last Time They Met: Queensland defeated NSW 34-24 at Suncorp Stadium in Game Three last year.

The 2012 series may have been open for the taking heading into this clash, but it was as good as sealed inside 33 minutes when Queensland blazed to a 24-nil lead.

To their credit the Blues rallied to close the gap to 10 points following two tries in the final three minutes before the break.

An arm wrestle ensued for the first 20 minutes of the second section – but when Billy Slater and Greg Inglis crossed within three minutes of each other for a 34-12 lead with 10 minutes remaining the Queensland crowd found their full voice.

Still, NSW would not lie down, with Jarryd Hayne and Greg Bird crossing for tries to add respectability to the scoreboard.

Queensland based their victory on no-nonsense footy, offering just three offloads compared to the Blues who were forced to chance their hand with 15 offloads.

Match Officials: Referees – Ben Cummins & Matt Cecchin; Sideline Officials – Paul Holland & Jeff Younis; Video Ref – Sean Hampstead.

The Way We See It: New South Wales’ best chance is for the individual brilliance of Farah, Hayne and Carney to post points early. If the Blues don’t get off to a flyer, Queensland will grind them down. We foresee a decisive win to the ‘visitors’ – their roster simply boasts too much continuity and class. Queensland by eight points.

Televised: Channel Nine – Live from 7.30pm.

Princey's Titanz
23-05-12, 03:31 PM
I thought New Zealand wore black?

I thought Kempsey was in NSW?

DavidBouveng
23-05-12, 04:00 PM
i got another ....Todd Carney is from ACT.

Why is he playing for NSW?

Princey's Titanz
23-05-12, 04:42 PM
So why was Mal Meninga chasing up Kasiano? Looks like there is two NZ teams in the State of Origin.

Princey's Titanz
23-05-12, 04:48 PM
if Inglis played for NSW then he would slot into the fullback position.

Titanic
23-05-12, 06:16 PM
if Inglis played for NSW then he would slot into the fullback position.

If Inglis played for NSW he wouldn't be half the player he is now, in fact they wouldn't have selected him.


So why was Mal Meninga chasing up Kasiano? Looks like there is two NZ teams in the State of Origin.

Norths Aspley thanks and that's Queensland :)

Smakked
23-05-12, 09:05 PM
WHat a ****in rort that was NRL refs are ****ed in the head and i hope there familys die in a house fire

shamus
23-05-12, 09:09 PM
WHat a ****in rort that was NRL refs are ****ed in the head and i hope there familys die in a house fire

That is a tad extreme..:surprise:

I assume you will edit sometime soon.

As long as we don't change the Blues lineup we will be right...Some nerves out there (Carney for one)...He will come good games 2 and 3.

P.S. That Ingless try was a debarckle (sic) :fight:

TITAN PETE
23-05-12, 09:11 PM
The worst refereeing game in a long long time.....

A knock on is a knock on, no matter what happens.

Gallen is a Superstar & should be man of the match in a losing side

Princey's Titanz
23-05-12, 09:11 PM
I hope QLD supporters are happy with the win today.

hatchy84
23-05-12, 09:15 PM
Bird best player on the field by a mile

gotitans101
23-05-12, 09:42 PM
agreed it shouldn't have been a try (and I'm a Queenslander).

Chaos
23-05-12, 09:42 PM
Gallon, Bird and Farra had blinders.

Smith wasn't a hundred percent...he made good decisions but not his normal physical self.

All the guys that copped cheap shots in the tackle looked for a penalty and I give credit to the refs for not looking at them twice....it's origin, let it go!

Cronks kicking game was terrible...it allowed NSW in the game..bring Cherry Evens in to clean sweep the series.

Tate was my man on the match...why didn't NSW keep bombing Slater?
First three went to Slater and he struggled on all three...next one went to GI and the rest at Tate....IDIOTS!

BTW...Farra played at the ball with his foot...suck it!

hatchy84
23-05-12, 10:09 PM
Ditch Fatah playing at ball Slater knocked on trying to bat it back can't believe that not the talk Myles mom that a disgrace Tate fallen or bird for sure blues press conference pretty poor

Titanic
23-05-12, 10:14 PM
Feelings running a little high, chaps? Read about it in tomorrow's papers.

Tate, GI, Thurston and Smith were great. Boyd, Myles, Scott and Hannant were fine. Taylor looked like another Idris and Petro should be shelved.

For the losers, Farrah was out and out your best, with Gallen, Bird and Hayne not too far behind. Williams should never have been there and your halves can only get better.

Pretty good game I thought and the refs were fantastic :-)

C-Whiz
24-05-12, 09:29 AM
Gallon, Bird and Farra had blinders.

Smith wasn't a hundred percent...he made good decisions but not his normal physical self.

All the guys that copped cheap shots in the tackle looked for a penalty and I give credit to the refs for not looking at them twice....it's origin, let it go!

Cronks kicking game was terrible...it allowed NSW in the game..bring Cherry Evens in to clean sweep the series.

Tate was my man on the match...why didn't NSW keep bombing Slater?
First three went to Slater and he struggled on all three...next one went to GI and the rest at Tate....IDIOTS!

BTW...Farra played at the ball with his foot...suck it!Agree 100%, although I though Cronks kicking game was hot and cold.

Tate was easily the best out there, in every way. :salute:
I can't believe they stopped kicking to Slater either. I wonder why they kicked to him in the first place, and then we he was missing them they kicked to Tate who was SOLID!!

OK, the Inglis try..... :helpme:

I'm not arguing either way, because as soon as I saw it I said it could be argued either way, but i will say this....

IF Farrah played at the ball with his foot, it's a try. If he didn't, it's a lost ball/knock on. That's the only question: did Farrah play at it with his foot? I don't know.

Another point, just for arguments sake:
IF Farrah deliberately played at the ball while Inglis was attempting to ground it, it is an illegal play, so a penalty in the act of scoring a try, which makes it a professional foul, which should have been a penalty try, and should have seen Farrah marched for 10.
IF he deliberately played at it with his foot.

Thoughts??

Titanic
24-05-12, 11:55 AM
Just had another look at it and I think that Farah got the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately this issue seems to have taken away the reality that NSW have a lot to take into the next game and without Williams wasting so much space they will have an even better chance ... Pearce and Carney will get better, imho.

Queensland on the other hand need to get away from Civoniceva/Hodges love affair both looked behind the pace last night.

The turning point for me was when Gallen elected to take the two .. must have been his first origin match.

Chaos
24-05-12, 03:42 PM
Queensland on the other hand need to get away from Civoniceva/Hodges love affair both looked behind the pace last night.


Yeah they targeted Petro around the ruck but he has been very good for Queensland over the years and I believe he deserves a respectful send off this year...we can still win it with him...just 10 minute stints is all he should play.

I don't agree with Hodges though...he didn't receive many chances on that side of the field.

Titanic
24-05-12, 04:03 PM
I thought Hodges was so poor in defence that he must have been carrying an injury. Jennings/Hayne totally owned him and our right-side defence, or lack of it, was where they built their momentum. On top of his missed tackles there was that Slater spill where there was nil cover given by Hodges who was just strolling along watching and what about Thaiday's late grounding where Hodges just ambled behind? Thank heavens for a revitalised Tate.

gotitans101
24-05-12, 04:46 PM
I agree about Hodges - he just hasn't looked the same since his ongoing battle with injuries. Inglis on the other hand - brilliant, he is so awesome to watch when he's in form and he could play just about anywhere on the field.

I do think it's time for Civoniceva to hang up the boots but who would be his replacement?

Oh and congrats to Nate Myles for getting Man of the Match!

Rage
24-05-12, 05:14 PM
^ Anyone else confused by Myles getting MOM? I'm not saying he played bad but I think there were a few more deserving players to get it.

Titanic
24-05-12, 07:41 PM
Did JT have a bad game? Nobody mentions him and I thought he was great every time he touched the ball ... he's not normally one of my favourites.

Inglis was terrific when he was involved too.

Of course, Gallen would swamp the awards if the southern media had all the say ... he'd get more gongs than The King.

DIEHARD
24-05-12, 07:46 PM
Phew! Well done to Queensland but as usual NSW gave us a run for our money.

I think the last try was a try according to the rules but I was sure glad that we won by more than a try.

Tate IMO was amazing, should have been MOTM.

Thursto and Inglis were great, although Greg did disappear for a while. But Im such a big fan of him.

Slater had one of those rare shakey games. Anyone think it had to do with the roof being closed and the colour of our ball? AFL balls are usually red.

Princey's Titanz
24-05-12, 08:23 PM
Slater had one of those rare shakey games. Anyone think it had to do with the roof being closed and the colour of our ball? AFL balls are usually red.

Its nothing to do with the roof. Uate, Stewart and Tate had no trouble under the high ball. So i wouldnt see why Slater would have a problem. It was probably Slater having one of those rare days...

Steelers
25-05-12, 12:52 AM
Greg Bird was a superstar last night. One of the best Origin players of the past few years.

tnkd
25-05-12, 03:49 AM
I agree about Hodges - he just hasn't looked the same since his ongoing battle with injuries. Inglis on the other hand - brilliant, he is so awesome to watch when he's in form and he could play just about anywhere on the field.

I do think it's time for Civoniceva to hang up the boots but who would be his replacement?

Oh and congrats to Nate Myles for getting Man of the Match!

I agree with you. It's really sad, but the Hodges of years past is finished. He is clearly inhibited by the injuries and he limits his runs and his attack as a result.

That said, I did joke with someone and say "Where's the betting market for hodges to reinjure his hamstring to match" a few weeks ago, evil yes, far from the truth, sadly probably not.

Re: Myles MOM - I thought Tate was impressive, but Boyd scoring a double makes it hard to see how he didn't get MOM by default. Congrats to Myles though, not taking anything away from him, he certainly played well, always good to see him play origin.

Smakked
25-05-12, 07:06 AM
Greg Bird was a superstar last night. One of the best Origin players of the past few years.

I totally agree.
But he made so many opportunities but no backup what so ever, which was disappointing.

Titanic
25-05-12, 11:25 AM
AFL balls are usually red.

You learn something every day ... I didn't think girls had balls of any colour :)

shamus
25-05-12, 03:50 PM
[QUOTE=DIEHARD;300683]I think the last try was a try according to the rules but I was sure glad that we won by more than a try.[QUOTE]

Everyone is talking about 'that' try and most seem to have forgotton about the 'other' try. In no way should Bird have been penalised for that tackle. Even a one eyed Qlder could see that surely.

It was a great solid back slam and Qld score off the next 6..:fight:

....and I am not a sore loser.

Well perhaps a litle bit!

Chaos
25-05-12, 06:27 PM
Just watched that fight again and I'd play beside Tate any day...he saves one of the queenslanders from Lewis who was flying in...then he copped the haymaker off Jennings.

What about Pearce?...just started throwing punches at anyone.

Cameron Smith, I think your the best player in the world but
DON'T EVER GRAB YOUR TEAM MATE IF HE IS GOING INTO A FIGHT.
Scott was lucky Miles and Hodges were close by.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ5-N7Enp2g&feature=g-logo