State of Origin: Game 1 (2010)

[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

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/..._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.