And so the New South Wales
Blues find themselves only 80 minutes away from winning the 2013 State of
Origin Series. It feels almost ridiculous to even contemplate. This Queensland
team has been so good for so long that the image of Paul Gallen holding up the
shield still seems a fantasy. Does it all become a reality at Suncorp Stadium
on Wednesday night?
One thing is certain; it will
be the toughest match these New South Welshman have played in their footballing
lives. The Maroons have spoken outwardly of revenge, they’ve spoken outwardly
of unfair play and their fans will be loud and angry, as usual. But this time
they'll be fuelled by more than just booze and a bloodlust for victory. Maroons
players and fans have a way of assuming they are hard-done-by and downtrodden
in the most bizarre circumstances. It’s what makes Origin great and by gum, it
is great.
You just need to look at the
response to the Nate Myles affair in Game 1 to see that many people had never before
witnessed the greatest rivalry in Australian sport. Origin deserves this kind
of attention and will demand it again in Game 2.
Cameron Smith and his front rowers will need to stop a dominant Blues forward pack and they'll do whatever it takes to control the ruck and the advantage line. NSW will not back down and the result will be 80 minutes of high tension and high niggle as promised by the Queenslanders after the series opener. The ruck could get messy but after the Smith and Robbie Farah have their say, we’ll be quickly reminded that Jonathan Thurston played injured in Game 1.
Cameron Smith and his front rowers will need to stop a dominant Blues forward pack and they'll do whatever it takes to control the ruck and the advantage line. NSW will not back down and the result will be 80 minutes of high tension and high niggle as promised by the Queenslanders after the series opener. The ruck could get messy but after the Smith and Robbie Farah have their say, we’ll be quickly reminded that Jonathan Thurston played injured in Game 1.
Perhaps because Luke Lewis ran
at him all night but either way, one of the most influential players in
Queensland's last few campaigns was not right to go. He will be this time and
he'll have 50,000 screaming rednecks behind him. A huge ask for New South Wales.
With two debutants in their starting side and a rabid opponent, they’ll be on
the back foot early. It’s how they finish that will matter most here but this
mountain will be a tough one to climb.
My tip: I pass out before
kick-off in a fit of origin excitement
Man of the Match tip: Jonathan Thurston
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