New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons – Wednesday night – ANZ Stadium
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
Queensland Maroons
- Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)
- Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)
- Will Chambers (Melbourne Storm)
- Darius Boyd (Brisbane Broncos)
- Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)
- Jonathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
- 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)
- Michael Morgan (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
- Coen Hess (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Tim Glasby (Melbourne Storm)
Coach - Kevin Walters
* note: team line-ups are subject to considerable change, but will be updated as news filters through.
Queensland made seven changes following their humbling defeat in game one, and while seven changes to a QLD side is certainly unusual it isn't unprecedented. You have to go back a way to find the last time they did it – to game two of the 2002 series with Wayne Bennett as the coach. There was more of a fuss about one particular player who was named for QLD in that game. His name was TBA. It's an acronym some of you may have noticed I have embraced on this site whenever I haven't worked out who I'm tipping yet. TBA was none other than Lote Tuqiri who, by not being actually named, was able to serve a one-match suspension at club level, thus making him available for Origin selection. Pretty clever really, even if it's cheating. QLD fans take heart that they won that second game after all those changes, and went on to reclaim the series that year.
Two of the seven changes on Wednesday night are really darn important inclusions in Jonathan Thurston and Billy Slater. There's no doubt that the QLD spine of Smith, Cronk, Thurston and Slater is a better quartet than Peats, Pearce, Maloney and Tedesco. Mind you, we would have said QLD had a better spine in game one and it didn't make a lick of difference. Boyd in the centres isn't silly either. He's a vastly under-rated defender and by playing him in the centres QLD can still utilise his sublime passing game. Slater can still chime in with the ball in hand too, so NSW will have to watch as many as five creative playmakers in the QLD backline. Thurston, Cronk, Slater, Boyd and Morgan. That's a hecklot of talent – perhaps they'll get in each other's way. For QLD to have any chance they have to improve considerably and hope that NSW come down a notch. NSW played near enough to perfect football in game one and they got the result they deserved. A repeat of that performance and they win. It doesn't look like rain on Wednesday night but the pitch is likely to be heavy underfoot. With most of the NSW side based in Sydney this has to be to their advantage too. Those players from Brisbane, Townsville and even Melbourne just haven't been playing on wet surfaces as often as the Sydney clubs. It's potentially a major factor. Watch those skies.
I mentioned earlier that game two is the best game of every Origin series. That isn't strictly true, but what is true is that the series is always on the line in game two. Someone can either win the series or keep the series alive. It's intense, it's nerve-wracking, it can be bloody delightful and it can be heart-breaking. It breaks my heart, but I think the Blues can repeat their heroics from game one and take the series in front of the Blue Army.
Verdict – NSW 16 : QLD 12
First try scorer – Mitchell Pearce
Man of the Match – James Tedesco
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings Origin fans
I'm still trying to find a way to convince myself that QLD can win this. Feel free to add your comments while I'm at it.
Submitted by Growler on
Dear Thinker, the team lists tell the tale. Fiddy on the cockroaches for mine.
Submitted by Scubagravy on
I picked the margin in the 1st... total fluke,
Hoping for another,
NSW by an unusual 13 points.
(nice field goal Maloney ;))
Submitted by scott m on
Qld by 13 (81-1 for the punters) Cooper Cronk first tryscorer and Valentine Holmes for man of match.
Submitted by Solomon on
NSW will be ambushed in ANZ...
- Smith & Co's will kick the ball dead deliberately to slow down the game, something they failed/forgot to do in game one.
- They will come up strong and tackle the legs of Fafita
- Maroons is built around their champion players and they have got the right mix in game 2
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Mr Thinker can you answer me a question please? Why is it that only Brisbane and North Qld made a large profit last year? Also, why is there are a push for a second Brisbane team. I've heard its to level up the playing field, but what field would that be.
Any info' you give would be appreciated.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by The Thinker on
Johnny Awesome,
I'll have to get back to you with more details, and I'm happy to be corrected if anything I add here is incorrect.
I believe the only two clubs to make a profit last year were the Broncos and (get ready for a surprise) the Warriors. The Warriors sell a heck of lot of merchandise...not just to fans all over New Zealand, but ex-pat Kiwis living in Australia do love to show their love for the mother country by decking themselves out in Warriors gear. Anyone who thinks the Warriors don't deserve to be in the competition has got rocks in their head. They might be frustrating on the field but they are great for the competition.
The Cowboys made a small loss, but they have invested a lot of money in a few little projects so they will (probably) return to profitability assuming the club remains competitive.
The Rabbitohs will make a small loss too...basically on the back of poor on-field performance. They still have plenty of members and sell plenty of car stickers.
Each club gets 7.8 million per year from the broadcast deal. That sounds like a lot but it costs much more than that to run a football club. I can't tell you how much, because some clubs spend a lot more than others.
Some clubs bleed money, but they get propped up by their Leagues Clubs. Some Leagues Clubs have very deep pockets. Eels, Bulldogs and Panthers spring to mind, but I think the Leagues Club that supports the Raiders (Queanbeyan) isn't far behind.
From memory it's the Panthers that lose the most currently. Phil Gould is spending all their money trying to turn them into the Broncos. The five year plan hasn't worked yet...but maybe one day.
Parramatta lost about 11 million in 2016 when everything went horribly wrong, but the Leagues Club just stamps cheques and smiles politely.
Submitted by pabdul on
totally agree with you this time thinker. having a city of 2.5 mill and about 30k members throw in most games in primetime and your going to be a success......but are they.... no silverware for 11 seasons as you would say im still thinking.
Submitted by a on
Here is my origin tips
QLD 22 tires Tim Glasby 2 Billy Slater Valentine Holmes goals Jonathan Thurston 3/4 NSW 16 tires Blake Ferguson 2 Josh Dugan goals James Maloney 3/4
Man of the match Billy Slater
Submitted by Tailspin on
Qld to level up the Origin, 14 to 6.
Man of the match Cameron Smith with a great captains knock.
Go Queenslander.
Submitted by christine on
It's QLD for me I have never tipped nsw & I never will ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
NSW to win the series and then be robbed at Suncorp by a slew of retirements leading to a ref gifted game 3 QLD win denying the natural result of a whitewash.
Submitted by GuySmiley on
My most anticipated match in a long time. QLD to get up 18-10 to set up a mouthwatering decider, making this Guy very Smiley.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Here's hoping NSW win, but I am as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Cheers from Mr A
Submitted by tigerholic on
The tide has turned folks, NSW will win game two in a tight affair. NSW will dominate the Origin for years to come.
They have a well balanced confident team that will take plenty out of game one, looking forward to it.
Who are the Refs for game two??
Submitted by ESRA STAR on
Queensland to win 18-10. Darius Bennett first scorer and man of the match. I think he will make a fantastic center.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy you can be a miserable soul.
NSW orchestrated the perfect ambush in game 1.
Don't expect the QLDers to cop the same this time.
It's probably the last hooray for some very capable QLD boys this year.
So expect something special.
It'll be very close. QLD by 1 or 2
And then an easy win back at Suncorp.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Thanks for the info' Mr Thinker, very interesting. So where do the footy clubs make money? I have sponserships, footy gear, gate takings [tickets], food and drink at footy games, sale of seats and corporate boxes, memberships and donations. Any others you can think of Mr Thinker? Do you notice all the ones I've listed generally have one theme in common and thats success on the field, if the team goes poorly or there are player incidents, the revenue drops. Correct me if I'm wrong but the one most important factor still is the supporter base? If the fans drop off everything else suffers. Also Mr Thinker, if the footy clubs are being propped up by the league clubs and the league clubs are happy to do this, then without a say, the footy club could lose money hand over fist and not be concerned. Do the league clubs have a say in a footy club. A lot of fans frequent clubs? I've been a Raiders member for 5 years now, lost count of my time with the Dragons. I support both clubs but if I thought they were being mismanaged, I would seriously reconsider my memberships. I agree with your comments regarding Penrith, but I guess the supporters want success and are supporting the money spent.Thanks Mr Thinker for your time.
Submitted by pabdul on
be wary of the wounded cane toad. in game 1 they just like survivor were outplayed outwitted outlasted id seen closer battles between batfink and hugo ago go. they have the big 3 and welcoming back the best player in the game..i think nsw are a bit too agile and are on a high and being at home. nsw by 7. qld will win game 3 by 20 but its only a consolation.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thinker
I'm a bit with Johnny A here.
So each club gets a squillion from the TV deal via the NRL.
If supported by a money spinning leagues club, is the club allowed to tip in heap of cash to keep their club afloat?
Some leagues clubs make millions from the pokies etc
Can they just pass this profit onto their footy club.
Can they top up player money apart from the NRL cap.
If so does anyone know about it?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It is coming to the end of an era. All of the retiring players deserve to go out on high, and winning your last game for your state, at home no less, is pretty high. But it shouldn't be at the expense of the integrity of the series.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Mark that's what we got caned for. The league's club paying players. It helps with the discussion about making clubs accountable for their financial losses. If you need money, you charge more for tickets. If you pay overs for a player who the fans don't like then your attendance will drop.
Submitted by mark ashford on
So Baggy how is it controlled?
Do we have to wait for the auditors to come in and the s--t hit the fan.
Surely in this day and age club management should be honest.
I know every club wants to win the premiership and attract more sponsors.
I do believe the NRL is doing as good a job as they can.
Clubs just need to be honest and accountable.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my prediction for Game II is:
NSW 20: Tries- Hayne, B.Morris, Maloney, Ferguson
Goals: Maloney: (2/4)
Qld 16: Tries- Boyd, Thurston, Glasby
Goals- Thurston (2/3)
Awesome. Go the Blues. Go and wrap up the series boys. We don't want no decider, instead we want a WHITEWASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Mark A,
I believe the Leagues Clubs can provide a grant to the Football Clubs to which they are aligned. The amount of this grant is publicly available. Last year the Bulldogs Leagues Club gave the Bulldogs football club $4 million (from memory). The Parramatta Leagues Club gave the football club $11 million (from memory). They aren't the only ones but they are the two I can remember. These figures would all be included in the audit conducted by the NRL. Payments to players directly cannot exceed the cap, so if a Leagues Club makes payments to a player (i.e. to appear at an event at the Club) I'm sure that would have to be included in the salary cap. Players can receive payments from Third Party sponsors, but I'm 99% sure you can't include your own Leagues Club as a Third Party.
Not sure if any of that clears up your queries....maybe it helps.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Dragons Fanboy
You'll have to go to Suncorp for a whitewash, providing you win in Sydney.
You are a good chance to wrap up the series in Sydney but beware the Maroons spirit.
Fiffita won you the game in Bris. Better hope our big boys don't shut him down.
Then you've got Slater, Thurston, Cronk, and Smith to worry about.
Along with some big forward muscle to take it to you.
Will be a great game, hope the best team wins.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thanks Thinker
So if a leagues club gives 11 mill to a footy club and it's supposed to be out side the cap what is it used for? Paying overs for management? the coach? the cheerleaders? or the poor little ball boys?
Perhaps for sales staff to sell over priced concession stands. Bearing in mind it's normally within the leagues club grounds and they control that.
So where does it go.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Yep Mr Mark Ashford, I agree, sounding like a bottomless pit. Does the league club specify how their money is used? After all it doesn't come from thin air but customers? So many questions so little time. Is there accountability for a footy club to be constantly in debt and get topped up. I know it happens with my eldest daughter and yep I top her up but this public money? I'm sure Russell Crowe as an owner would have fit losing heaps of money, so why doesn't anyone else. Mr Thinker....help. Cheers from Mr A.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Mark A,
As I mentioned before different clubs spend different amounts running their club. The salary cap is $7.8m, but that's just the wages of the playing roster. That doesn't even include the wages of trainers, doctors, physios and admin staff.
Footy clubs make money from four main sources - sponsorships, merchandise, ticketing and memberships. Obviously the more success you have, the more money you can make from all four of those sources.
I have the Broncos figures handy so will use them as an example, but obviously they make and spend more money than most. Their revenue in 2016 was $42.3m. Their expenses in 2016 were $38.2m. That's a nice profit when most clubs never make one, and it demonstrates why the Broncos are recognised as one of, if not the most, professional sporting clubs in the country.
p.s. That Broncos polo shirt you won on this site contributed to that revenue....well done you.
Submitted by Fortress on
Late post folks been veey busy my tip for soo 2......
Toss of the coin should be much tighter than game 1 I have to stick with my state and the blues but qld wanna level it up should be cracker go the blues!!!!!and may the best team win!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy everyone cheers
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Yes Mark it will be tough both games 2 and games 3 no matter what happens for the Blues. Yep totally agree you've got the big stars like Slater, Thurston, Cronk, and Smith which we should be be worried about. But, for the first time in a long time NSW have got a consistent side who can dominate the next few years. Tedesco at fullback, if he is on his game like game I, he is hard to stop. A brilliant halves pairing of Maloney and Pearce, some big forwards like you mentioned Fifita, a game breaker, we've also got Woods, and Klemmer who are handy forwards. Will be a cracking of a game in Sydney, and hopefully we can win that one and finish it off in Brisbane. It will be tough but I believe that we can do it after 11 years of dominance from Qld.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Yes may the best team win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't want a rigged game that's all. I'm sure it won't be.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thanks Thinker for that top up.
I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed so will take your explanation.
Being a Broncs fan I should shut up and be happy.
BUT does it mean that the Broncs being the best money earners in the comp are at an unfair advantage over other clubs.
I'm probably a bit naïve but I thought the cap made it all even.
Submitted by a on
Yeah don't want a rigged comp
Submitted by Taka on
I think the NWS Blues will win this year series by winning this game tonight. It's gonna be a strong game but the blues forwards will win the for their state. Blues by 4.
Thank you.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Dragons FanBoy
I've got an uneasy feeling you may be right. Our stars are getting a bit old and a bit more injury prone.
Just hope there's not too many late hits on the QLD playmakers.
Would like to see the refs enforce this a bit more.
As you say "may the best team win"
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
If you want that enforced, it needs to be both ways. Hoping for no injuries, clean game and nothing to be said about the clowns in white.
Submitted by a on
You will come back QLD
Submitted by Mary S on
What a game - hard and fast by both teams. I was bouncing up and down on the chair willing Qld to get another try to win and they did!!!!! Fantastic conversion by JT to sew up the match!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
I still can't believe that win. Stunned.
With 3 minutes to go I even had the scoreline right.....I'm glad I was wrong though.
Surely Thurston can't play his 300th NRL game this weekend after that. Surely.
Submitted by Fortress on
What a game congrats to qld on their comeback the blues were great but when it mattered qld were able to come up with the clutch plays.
Great defence by the blues then qld were able to repel us when the game was on the line,the refs were pathetic but not taking anything away from qld the refs will always be s##t until the NRL cleans them out and we have a better standard,but as I said it doesn't take away from a great game by the blues and a stunning comeback by qld.
On to the decider what's going to happen is anyone's guess Titanic struggle predicted a fight to the death in game 3.
Cheers everyone!!!!!!!!
Submitted by a on
Yeah QLD won and they will win game 3 too
Submitted by Mary S on
Hope you are right on game 3 'a'. The teams certainly have the measure of each other now, and barring injuries in the next 2 weeks the decider will be very physical.
Submitted by a on
I hope JT not injured
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
JT and his last origin already a win for the blues just to see him off loved Napa and Morgan and the way they owned up to the task special thanks to the Hayne plane could not of done it with out you.
One thing i know cockroaches are like goldfish no memory so here comes the decider cant wait.......
Submitted by GuySmiley on
Yeah surely he won't play Game 3. If he doesn't, I'm at peace with this being his last game - an unforgettable effort with the game decided on his kicking boot.
Submitted by a on
Yeah it was GuySmiley
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
What can I say but agree with you Ryan. The plane believed his own hype and bombed at least two definite tries in the game, and while he wasn't terrible in defence, all the points came on that side for both teams.
Submitted by a on
I don't think that JT will miss his game
Submitted by Russell on
Hi Thinker, I know its early but I reckon NSW will keep their same team, what do you think ? Personally I would like to see Croker in and Hayne out but I know this wont happen particularly for the 3rd game.
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