2019 State Of Origin – Queensland vs New South Wales Game I Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Wednesday 5th June, 11:10 (UK)
Where is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Suncorp Stadium
What channel is Queensland vs New South Wales on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Nine
Where can I stream Queensland vs New South Wales?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Queensland vs New South Wales? https://tickets.nrl.com/origin
THE TEAM NEWS
QUEENSLAND
Head Coach: Kevin Walters
Starting 13: Ponga, Oates, Morgan, Chambers, Gagai, Munster, Cherry-Evans, Arrow, Hunt, Papalii, Kaufusi, Gillett, McGuire Interchanges: Mbye, Ofahengaue, Napa, Fifita Reserves: Glasby
- Queensland will be hoping last year was just a blip as they attempt to reassert their dominance having won 11 of the last 13 Origin series but that was with a very different squad to this one.
- The Maroons will give debuts to David Fifita, Moses Mbye and Joe Ofahengaue whilst Daly Cherry-Evans will captain the side after Greg Inglis’ retirement meant a new skipper was required.
- Ben Hunt will play in the unfamiliar hooking role with that looking like the big weakness in Kevin Walters’ side whilst Michael Morgan will also play out of position at centre although he has played there in the past.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Head Coach: Brad Fittler
Starting 13: Tedesco, Cotric, Mitchell, J. Morris, Addo-Carr, Walker, Cleary, Klemmer, Cook, Vaughan, Cordner, Frizell, J. Trbojevic Interchanges: Wighton, Haas, Murray, Crichton Reserves: Matterson, Radley
- New South Wales will be looking to retain the State of Origin crown that they earned last year following their 2-1 series win in 2018 with them attempting to go back-to-back for the first time since 2005 when they claimed their third series win in a row.
- Despite the series win last year, the Blues have five new faces in their side for Game I in Cody Walker, Cameron Murray, Nick Cotric and Jack Wighton whilst Payne Haas plays after just ten NRL games.
- The New South Wales team looks full of pace and power and with them boasting plenty of strength in depth, a big performance will be required if those with the shirt want to retain it for the rest of the series.
THE PREDICTION
Queensland felt the loss of some star players last year and that will be the case again here with Billy Slater and Greg Inglis both retiring. New South Wales will come into the series as favourites to retain their crown and despite a poor record at Suncorp, they can come out on top in Game I. The Blues look stronger across the park but the ability of Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster could see the Maroons edge it. However, given that their period of dominance was led by some of the all-time greats, a changing of the guard could see the Blues enjoy their own supremacy.
