Queensland Maroons vs New South Wales Blues – Wednesday night – Suncorp Stadium
Queensland Maroons
- Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)
- Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)
- Will Chambers (Melbourne Storm)
- Michael Morgan (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)
- Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
- Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
- Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters)
- Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
- Jarrod Wallace (Gold Coast Titans)
- Gavin Cooper (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Matt Gillett (Brisbane Broncos)
- Josh McGuire (Brisbane Broncos)
- Ben Hunt (Brisbane Broncos)
- Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
- Coen Hess (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Tim Glasby (Melbourne Storm)
Coach - Kevin Walters
New South Wales Blues
- James Tedesco (Wests Tigers)
- Blake Ferguson (Sydney Roosters)
- Josh Dugan (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Jarryd Hayne (Gold Coast Titans)
- Brett Morris (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- James Maloney (Cronulla Sharks)
- Mitchell Pearce (Sydney Roosters)
- Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers)
- Nathan Peats (Gold Coast Titans)
- Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks)
- Josh Jackson (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Boyd Cordnor (Sydney Roosters)
- Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- David Klemmer (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Wade Graham (Cronulla Sharks)
- Jake Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles)
- Jack Bird (Cronulla Sharks)
Coach - Laurie Daley
* note: team line-ups are subject to considerable change, but will be updated as news filters through.
There are rumours aplenty that the iconic XXXX Brewery at the Milton Road end of Suncorp Stadium is going to close its doors. While few would want to see it go, it seems somewhat fitting that an iconic Queensland Origin side is coming to an end too. Thurston is gone. Inglis is (probably) gone. Cronk is going. Smith must be thinking about going. Slater has rolled an ankle. Bigger empires have crumbled than this, but there's no denying that we have been witnesses to an Origin dynasty we're not likely to see again. Queensland were on the ropes after game one, and looked on the ropes mid-way through game two. Yet somehow, as champions generally do, they found their way off the ropes and prevailed. Thurston, as champions generally do, dragged himself off the ropes and carried himself through the contest with one good arm. He was still there at the end to slot the conversion that proved the difference. His performance, and the performance of his team, demonstrated the epitome of the Queensland spirit...and they won. You could almost see the heart of Phil Gould breaking in the post-match wrap-up. Andrew Johns broke his brain. It was riveting television during and after the game.
NSW bring the same seventeen than won them game one so convincingly and all but won them game two. There was no need to make changes, but changes were almost thrust upon them. Tedesco hasn't played since game two. Cordnor and Dugan are racing the clock to be ready in time. Frizell is a huge doubt. The three spares for NSW (De Belin, Merrin and Trbojevic) are there to fill the slots if needed.
QLD have had a different five-eighth in every game of the series. In game three we have Munster which gives Queensland an all-purple spine. Munster having his Melbourne team-mates in key positions is a huge plus, but he's making his Origin debut at Suncorp in a game to decide the series. He's a very composed young man, but his composure will be tested on Wednesday.
I say this great Queensland side can get there...one more time. They can do this for Cronk in his last game. They can do this for Thurston who won't be there, but will be there...in every tackle, every pass, and every conversion. One more time. The kings are dead. Long live the kings.
Verdict – Queensland 18 : New South Wales 14
First try scorer – Billy Slater
Man of the Match – Billy Slater
Comments
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Agree with you Russell in this modern sporting world, we live.
Not to be performance enhancing or downers to slow.
Supplements to assist the injury process in rehab with injury and return an athlete back to peak performance and condition in a shorter time frame.
Don't know where you hail from or live Russell, or who you support in NRL and SofO, but good analysis and summary in our elite sportsmen/women you have made.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by Fortress on
How do make a parramatta supporter face facts u surgically remove his brain from his rear and insert it back in his head.
Hope ur enjoying ur evening eveeyone from gods country wishing everyone a good evening!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hahahaha Baggy.
Like it, because an eel wouldn't be able to do it.
They are limbless!
Yr Cumberland guys are coming along, but you need to be assured for better than 6-8. Just like we Sea Eagles, need to keep watching over our shoulder and to be sure, to be sure. Irrespective of it all, finals footy is a totally new ball game.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
What do you call a Manly fan with a bottle of champagne at the end of the season? A waiter.
Submitted by The Voyeur on
That's gold baggy, absolute gold !!!
Submitted by christine on
Pabdul i'm not speaking on behalf of Spartan warrior or defending Spartan warrior he can tip who ever he wants but I was serious with my ? why is it that just because your born in nsw you have to take nsw & the same goes the other way if your born in qld who says you have to support qld ?
Submitted by pabdul on
Like I've said before mark can verify I supported qld in the first origin in 1980 because it was going to be a one off and I'd met artie and he was my hero.
When it became a regular thing and coming from England I followed nsw because I live here and have no allegiance to qld. I have been told that I may have a couple of kids there from footy trips away but that's a story for another day. I don't care who people go for but I have the right to ask why
Submitted by a on
Anybody can tip what they want
Submitted by christine on
Pabdul that's fine no one is stopping you from asking but at least except the decision of which team they go for even if you don't agree with it or there reasoning ...
Submitted by Fortress on
What's the difference between Darren Lockyer and parramatta Darren Lockyer only sounds like his choking!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior,
To be clear to thee all, the Spartan Warrior is a Blues supporter and a New South Welshman.
I wish for the Blues to win but have a feeling Qld will extend their winning streak for yet anoth'r year. This doest mean I support Qld, I support NSW. I feel the timeth for NSW will deservedly come but not this year. It grieves an old Warriors heart to yet maybe experience another loss but hopefully the destiny of NSW will proveth me wrong.
Enjoyeth the final State of Origin for the year one and all.
The Spartan Warrior has spoken.
sperans quod cæruleus, qui vincere possunt [hoping that the blues can win]
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Well there you go Baggy.
I thought for Fortress and I to be holding a bottle of Moet, we had to be winners. Winners are only handed champagne, but Daniel Riccardo, drinks it anytime.
We'll bide our time. Cheers - no fears.
Submitted by Mary S on
BigPete, I could really enjoy a a nice chilled bottle of Moet champagne!!!
Submitted by Tailspin on
Queensland to win - 12 to 10
First try scorer is Dane Gagai
Man of the match is Cameron Smith.
Man of the Decade is JT. What a shame he couldn't finish it off the way he wanted.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It's all good Pete, it's the cut and thrust against sharp wits I enjoy. Chuckled at your limbless reference.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Fortress, I thought the difference between Parra and Locker was you can hear us sing our victory song.
Submitted by Footy chick on
I see a lot of blah blah blahing in the comments, but no-one has thanked The Thinker for his brilliant Origin preview.
Thanks The Thinker. Let's hope you got this one right. I think you might be due for a win :-)
Submitted by pabdul on
It's a brilliant preview if you support qld.i like the boxer terminology where the challenger won round one and should of won round two except for their champion fighting spirit that caused the knockout blow. And now against the odds with injuries will deliver the fairytale. very one eyed and bias and I wouldn't expect it any other way. Good stuff
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
NSW is Horn, QLD is Manny? We win but everyone will question it. Still worried about the mental side without Boyd leading NSW.
Submitted by Fortress on
Baggy very few between drinks.
Yep the thinker preview of soo3 was brilliant a little one sided bit hey the content imaginative and the finish Shakespeare like.
Its freezing tonight in this stunning area of the world I can hear the eagles chirping looks like s good weekend coming up for the boys !!!!!!!!
Cheers to my good friends on this great site!!!!!!!
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hello all,
Nice preview to the final Origin contest for the year Mr Thinker. Just having my morning Nespresso brew before heading off for the bus stop. Actually Mr Thinker, it was quite accurate. Qld would have to be favourites,.Everyone USB talking up the fact NSW have the same team, but as you pointed out, four of the NSW key players are wounded and wounded badly. It would be a no brainer a fully fit NSW side playing in Sydney would be overwhelming favourites. I don't know if you agree Mr Thinker, but the second game I saw, NSW really lost it rather than Qld won. Sure Thurston kicked that conversion but without naming one or two players NSW should never had let that happen. Here's hoping those NSW guys have enough hunger and passion and do a Qld on Qld. Overcome the pain threshold for 80 minutes and go out and beat Qld. Was it Baggy Gee that equated it to Manny and Horn?, great comparison. The thing I like about this Origin series is the arrogance that is missing. Walters and Daly are coaches that are nicely spoken respectful guys. Sure there maybe occasional digs but NSW know this game is critical against a great team and dynasty and there is no arrogance. Qld know their dynasty is coming to a close and the games are closer then ever. This is good for rugby league. Hope NSW can do it . Sorry for typos. Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by a on
Yep the SOO preview was brilliant
Submitted by GaryChesterUK on
Hi Guys, looking forward to the decider. The bookies fancy NSW, opinion on here favours QLD.
I think that the bookies have it right, and pick NSW to win by 10. They were much the better team in the first, the better team for most of the 2nd. I think that comeback was the last hurrah from JT and the great QLD team and tomorrow NSW will stamp their authority and mark the beginning of a new era.
Slightly worried the the Storm spine will stamp some authority but from my limited knowledge I think NSW will be a bit bigger & a bit stronger - Have backed them to be leading HT/FT @ 6/4 (2.5) - Looking forwards to a brutal 80 mins
Submitted by The Thinker on
Here's a statistic to warm the cockles of your hearts....providing you live north of the Tweed.
The Origin series has been on the line (in game three) on twenty occasions. Of those twenty, QLD lifted the shield at the end of game three sixteen times.
16 from 20. Over to you Mitchell Pearce.
Submitted by Johns snorts on
Wow fortress so abusive lol. What is the difference between fortress's house and an echidna? An echidna has all the pricks on the outside!!! Btw fortress, learn to use punctuation in your sentences. If your level you f education is up to it.
Submitted by Hardyards on
Long time reader, first time sharing my opinion. QLD by 2. from my singular and secluded position in the far north god’s country, NSW has yet to embrace the desire to push the spirit beyond the pain wall to secure the song singing rights, that the level of SOO requires. This selfless abandonment of ones own preservation to embrace the team, state and past heroes is what QLD have relied upon in the past to surmount massive obstacles and emerge victorious from certain defeat. We hear of the current QLD champions, never singular, then witness the arms outflung celebration of a (Plane/Train) single entity claiming ones own glory for the final movement of a team orchestrated try. Once NSW have truly accepted its takes an entire team, including coach and support personnel, to dominate SOO, then their dynasty will emerge. I, for one, am in no hurry to witness this :).
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hardyards,
An outstanding (first-time) contribution. Thanks for being here.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Interesting stat Mr Thinker. What's the stat of NSW beating QLD at QLD.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by The Thinker on
Johnny Awesome,
NSW have won a deciding game at Lang Park/Suncorp twice.
1994 and 2005
The NSW side in 1994 was very strong - it was so strong Ettingshausen was on the bench. Their starting pack was Roberts, Lazarus, Harragon, Sironen, Elias and Brad Mackay. When one of those needed a break, Brad Clyde or David Gillespie would come on. QLD had Bella, Hohn and Gee. Very good footballers but clearly a peg below what NSW had on the paddock.
The 2005 NSW side included Johns, Gower, Gasnier and Kennedy....how do I say this with subtlety – the celebration would have been interesting.
Submitted by christine on
Mary s In regards to rd 19 you have one up on me already , I have never done margins before but i'll give it a go ...
Submitted by christine on
I don't think I need to tell you all again it's QLD for me for origin tonight ...
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Yes Mr Thinker,
Thanks for the info' Mr Thinker it is appreciated. Didn't realise that stat was low. Thought we did better. That 1994 side that you've listed was really good. I think Bella and Hohn were at the tail end of their careers as well. Yep, you are right about the celebrations with the lads, but then again in those days, there were no smart phones and limited social media, ahhh the good old days.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Russell on
Raiders.
ps I don't mind Manly and I think days of hating Manly are almost other and its the Broncos who are disliked due to their major financial advantages that it looks like they get.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hello all,
Mr Russell, I learn't something from Mr Thinkers knowledge banks a short while regarding the Bronco's. Any financial advantages the Bronco's possess have been due to their hard work, good administration and smart business sense over a very long time. You can't blame a club for succeeding and being successful. I reckon, a lot of others clubs should take note and use the Broncos as a yard stick and not try to bring them back, because they are doing better. I've always been against hobbling success and believe, if you want success then look at teams like the Broncos and improve what you do and the rest will take care of itself. There is a salary cap in place that's equal it for everyone. Lets face players are attracted to teams like the Broncos and are willing to play for less because of the success the team has created over many years. Cheers from Mr awesome.
Submitted by pabdul on
How many of the bronco players are from qld. Apart from sims and Marshall ,Roberts from Ballina closer than Sydney they all come from bananaville. It's a cheaper lifestyle and their the only business in a big city selling the same product.
Compare to sydneys prices and having to compete with all the clubs down here with a more diverse society. So I can't completely agree with you.
Submitted by The Thinker on
The median house price in Sydney is $1.15 million. I can't imagine what a nice house costs.
In Brisbane it's $655,000.
I can walk to Suncorp. I can kick a footy to Broncos HQ and I've got a five bedroom Queenslander....and I'm no Ben Hunt or astronaut. I'm just some nub nub and I'm living large baby.
It's cheaper, cleaner, less traffic, less people, more mud crabs and we can drive to some of the best beaches in the country in about 90 minutes. And when we do drive, we aren't paying $8,000 a year in road tolls either.
But if you want to live in Sydney I say good luck to you. Someone has to live there. I'd rather be here.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
The only place I'd live down NSW is the southern highlands around moss vale and the like. Sydney is nice but the best part is the flight out, too many bodies for me and I'm am extrovert.
Submitted by pabdul on
Thanks scoop for telling me what I already know . Believe me a lot people are here because they don't have a choice work family etc. but on a positive note when we leave here for somewhere else it's always gonna be a lot cheaper and I'll be living as big Daryl use to say HUGE!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Happy to help Pabdul :-)
I actually don't mind visiting Sydney...for a weekend. It's a great city, but as a Roosters fan I'd need to live in Bondi, and that's not realistic for nub nubs like me.
Submitted by pabdul on
You'd feel at home in Bondi heaps of kiwis there. My thinking it's because it's the closest Centrelink to Auckland.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
G'day everyone, my prediction for game III the almighty decider is:
NSW 18 (Tries: B. Morris, Dugan, Hayne)
(Goals: Maloney 3/3)
Qld 10: (Tries: Gagai, Holmes)
(Goals: Smith (1/2)
Enjoy tonight's game everybody. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by a on
Yeah Sydney is a great city
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Sydney would be better if a few places were about 1500km away from the center. But all up Parras a pretty little enclave.
Submitted by fortress on
whats the difference between JNS the dead zombie,a side walk,and a prostitute....................the cracks on the sidewalk dont leave an odor.
so after that joke about the gutter trash...................
enjoy the game everyone it should be a ripper and go the blue"s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by christine on
Baggy Gee Parramatta's enclave is fast becoming a skyline of flats too many flats & it's going to get worse ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
That's a worry, but it was nice around the park. As I said, the closest I'd get is the highlands and commute in for the games.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Here we go again, the mighty Maroons find themselves despised underdogs, big name players out left right and centre, can we pull another one out of the fire, unlikely the experts say and it sure looks a big ask, but you know what I am going to tell you, bet you're arse we can.
Gamble responsibility please.
Submitted by christine on
Baggy gee they are getting that bad they are even putting flats & appartments on top of shopping centres now rouse hill has , top ryde has , epping will in time & I believe Carlingford will too ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Well Ryan take that wagon out of your posteria and let the men do the talking. It will be more mental tonight than physical, if qld slip behind I think the lack of names might hinder them. But if Boyd is broken then nsw will be rudderless.
Submitted by pabdul on
Both teams have advantages and disadvantages qld are missing plenty but have the home ground.
NSW has a better team on paper but we are playing at Suncorp.
So I think nsw supierior bench will be the difference they are as good as the players their replacing I don't think qld have that luxury. I think nsw by 7.
Maloney field goal and man of the match.
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