2011 State of Origin Match Preview - Game III

Queensland v New South Wales

State of Origin III

The definition of the word ‘anticipation’ has been re-written in the lead up to this match and this is something only Origin can do, only Rugby League can do. Indeed the AFL has its Grand Final Day at the MCG, Rugby has its Bledisloe Cup and so on and so forth amongst the rival codes, but nothing matches ‘The Greatest Game of All’ when you talk of a State of Origin decider. Especially this one.

Queensland comes into this game with that familiar air of confidence now fading but enough experience to know how to bounce back. Whether they are motivated or pressured more by the fact that this is Darren Lockyer’s farewell will be irrelevant at kick-off because Lockyer himself will either not allow it, or adjust for it on the field. Either way, he is still the best there is and he is still surrounded by Civoniceva, Scott, Slater and Smith. Enough to drive fear into the broken hearts of all New South Wales fans.

Speaking of NSW fans, this series, for them, must be like watching Rocky IV. Queensland being Ivan Drago in this metaphor of course. In game 2, NSW ‘cut’ the Russian – proved he was a man, not a machine. Proved to the fans that it was OK to believe we can beat them. Now, on Wednesday night at 8.05pm in the heart of Maroon territory, we have the last round of this heavyweight match and both tribes in a frenzy, breathless with anticipation.

Come game time - nerves will consume the inexperienced in this type of pressure filled atmosphere so expect to see some signs of it early on but once the game settles down, it will be an instant classic. Desperation in defence will be the highlight. NSW coach Ricky Stuart has built his team and his philosophy on this mantra. Queensland as usual will be the proverbial brick wall. Who will break first? It does not matter. What’s more important is who will break last as this game goes right to the final minute with nothing separating these sides but a field goal.

My Man of the Match Tip: Jonathan Thurston

My tip: NSW 15-14 (difficult to type with my fingers crossed)