Queensland Maroons vs New South Wales Blues – Wednesday night (11th November) at 7.10pm – ANZ Stadium
Maroons
- Valentine Holmes
- Xavier Coates
- Kurt Capewell
- Dane Gagai
- Philip Sami
- Cameron Munster
- Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
- Dunamis Lui
- Jake Friend
- Josh Papalii
- Felise Kaufusi
- Jaydn Su'A
- Tino Faasuamaleaui
- Ben Hunt
- Lindsay Collins
- Jai Arrow
- Moekai Fotuiaka
Coach - Wayne Bennett
Blues
- James Tedesco (c)
- Daniel Tupou
- Clint Gutherson
- Jack Wighton
- Josh Addo-Carr
- Cody Walker
- Nathan Cleary (c)
- Daniel Saifiti
- Damien Cook
- Payne Haas
- Angus Crichton
- Tyson Frizell
- Jake Trbojevic
- Dale Finucane
- Junior Paulo
- Nathan Brown
- Isaah Yeo
Coach - Brad Fittler
Game preview
The result in game one was a welcome surprise (for Queenslanders at least) with a bunch of well-meaning kids turning up and delivering against, what looked like on paper, a superior opposition. This isn't new territory for Queensland, and there's a good reason why they win more Origin games than they lose. Both NSW playmakers went missing in game one - one of them (Keary) has been dropped, while the other one (Cleary) has been named captain...so that's odd. The other oddity is in the centres for NSW. Both outstanding players, but both are playing out of position, and were found wanting in defence in game one. Defending in the centres is a real art, and at this level an opposition backline will target weaknesses and expose them. They've been named in those positions again...so that's odd. The Queensland game plan worked for game one, and I see no reason for them to change the play book too much. NSW have had one week to resolve the issues, and it's not a lot of time. Cody Walker gets a start, and he could almost win this game for NSW on his own. They're playing at home, they have to win, it's NAIDOC week, and they're a red hot favourite with the experts...so if they are right I'd be backing in Walker to get man of the match honours. That said, I'll go with the team with a win on the board - who have an opportunity to win here, head to QLD, and claim an unlikely clean sweep.
Verdict – Queensland 19 : NSW 18
First try scorer – Cody Walker
Player of the match – Daly Cherry-Evans
Comments
Submitted by mark ashford on
Looking at the above team lists the only one of consequence for QLD is the loss of AJ Brimson. A replacement in the quality of Valentine Holmes should not worry the QLDers too much.
The NSW halves is another matter, dropping Luke Keary who IMO went ok and keeping Nathan Cleary who IMO was ordinary may not be the best option for the Blues. Cody Walkers inclusion at #6 may stiffen the Blues attack. Why is this deja vu for the Blues who panic when they lose a game. In the past 12 years the Blues have had more halves combos than I've had dreamless sleeps.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The only other thing I want to say about the Blues is I'm glad Boyd Cordner has ruled himself out of SoO 2 and maybe the series.
This guy has been a stand out for the Roosters, the Blues and Aus for years. He has had too many head knocks this year and the one in SoO 1 didn't look all that bad but was enough to drop him to the ground.
I would hate to read he has some permanent brain injury.
Submitted by Christine on
Mark
I too didn't think cleary didn't do much at all i did expect more even from the fox i even thought he had an ordonary game for him yes he did get two tries but we are talking about the fox you tend to expect a lot more from the fox than that & i think cleary has been reading too much of his own hype he didn't stand up to the challenge but in saying that be on notice thst would have had an ear full expect to see a very different performence in origin 2 that would have been blasted over that performence , in regards to that state of origin it was a very sombe affair not like the usual hype we get but the players we had on debut need to step it up a notch just my opinion of course that was my take on it ...
Submitted by Christine on
It doesn't matter how ugly it was a win is a win & you can't take that away from them ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Christine
I thought the Blues were the better team in the first half, holding out several scoring raids by the Maroons and then going on to score two unanswered tries before half time. The QLDers then took control in the second half and won the game but only by 4 points. Josh Addo-Carr was superb in attack and defence and probably the Blues best on field. This is origin footy Chris, low scores and close finishes. Wednesday's game will be a real test for the new Maroons, in Sydney and a Blues crowd. I wish them well.
Submitted by Christine on
Mark i know it is origin footy but maroons on dabut aren't used to the full origin pace ,if they had played that game against the likes of cameron smith ,cronk , slater they wouldn't have won that is the hype i am talking about they need to step it up a notch it is not just park footy it is origin as we know it is a whole different level i am convinced if they had of played against people like i previously mentioned they wouldn't have stood up against them those players i mentioned of past would have run riot over them but it was a learning curve bennett will know that & he will work on getting them up to the pace of origin which is crueling we know that ...
Submitted by Buzz105 on
Really looking forward to game two.
I thought Qld whilst going into halftime behind on the scoreboard, were the better team for the first have, save for the ten minutes that NSW scored two tries. I thought our kicking/fifth tackle options when we were in NSWs half (especially near the tryline) was terrible. So much that I thought DCE was NSW best player in the first half.
I don't know why NSW continually goes with two non-centres playing out of position. They should have named someone like Jarrod Crocker, whilst not flashy, but solid enough to get the job done. But hey I'm a Qlder so keep doing it NSW : )
Submitted by Christine on
Buzz105 love your comment about DCE being nsw best player i too am a maroons supporter even though i live in nsw i don't rate DCE as a player ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Buzz105
I know DCE made a few errors in the first half (as did the Blues halves) but he redeemed himself in the second half and went on to win man of the match. He will be even better this Wednesday as will the other Maroons debutants. Sorry to see Brimson is out but Valentine Holmes will step up. Other forward replacements in the QLD team will I hope excel. Should be a great game once again.
Not many comments here from the Blues brigade.
The look on Brad Fittlers face when time was called was almost as good as the Maroons win. QUEENSLANDER!
Submitted by Christine on
Tiger you have gone extremly quiet for a nsw supporter & why do you support nsw when you live up there my rason for supporting msroons even though i live in nsw is no one asked me who i wanted to pledge my loyalty too when i was in my mothers womb which is inconsiderate & rude & back when maroons were on there winning streak i said i only support a winning team ,just because theblikes of jt ,smith ,cronk , slater no longer play that doesn't mean i should jump ship hell no i am loyal & true i judt couldn't live there with the wheather & my ms it eould cripple me ...
Submitted by Christine on
That said it would cripple me ...
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Tigerholic is a fine weather friend you'll notice how he goes to ground at the slightest Hiccup throughout the year he is on and off the tiger's its no different with the cockroaches so Christine and Mark you will notice that just like Spud he blows hard then he's gone however if they Jag another win he'll be back like you never gonna get rid of him similar to coronavirus
Submitted by Buzz105 on
Hi Mark,
Your absolutely correct, DCE did redeem himself in the second half, and I also think he'll have a great game tomorrow night.
I'm sorry to see Welch out as he does a lot of work, but looking forward to Lui getting his opportunity.
I was surprised with the amount of work Friend did for us as well. Usually I dislike the guy as he plays for my least favorite team Easts :)
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Boss,
My prize (Storm ball) arrived last Friday from the Ball Bingo comp - Thank you.
It caused my nearly 18yo grand daughter a great deal of mirth, to think her "Nanna" might be considering kicking a footy around"!!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by mark ashford on
Mary S
You've gotta keep those grandkids guessing, we're never too old to spring a surprise or two. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with mine on the Gold Coast.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Buzz105
Yes I feel the same about Jake Friend being a Rooster but poor bugger he's been in Cam Smiths shadow for most of his career and he did nothing wrong last Wednesday I expect another good game from him tomorrow night. If the boys go well I might even forgive him for being a Rooster.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thinker
I thought Tedesco had been named Blues Captain in the absence of Boyd Cordner. Have I missed a change?
Submitted by Christine on
Has big pete been around the site anywhere does anyone know he has gone quiet since bathurst i think was the last time i saw a comment from big pete , hope everything is alright with you big pete let us all know when you get a chance too ...
Submitted by Christine on
Just because the game is at anz doesn't mean it is only going to be blue supporters there i won't be at the game but i live in nsw & yet i go for maroons ...
Submitted by Christine on
I was standing in line for my elderly friend yesterday at kfc to order for her & i could hear the man infront of me being served for starters his order was humungous he would have needed a skip to take it all with him , he said to the girl serving him i'm with the nrl & she said it's alright he said i think i owe you $2.10 & she said no your with the nrl i have rung it all up for free so there looking after each other the nrl & kfc i have never seen that before today but i bet it happens all the time ...
Submitted by Walby on
Game 2 State of Origin.
Verdict, NSW 38, Qld 12.
First Try, Daniel Tupou.
Player of the Match, James Tedesco.
Good luck everyone.
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Mark Ashford
I was advised they were co-captains...but that could have easily changed yesterday or this morning...or just before kick-off.
Looking forward to tonight though.
Submitted by The Thinker on
I'm glad to hear that Mary S
You're never too old to work on your grubber kicks in the back yard. You should make a video of it and send it to the NRL...theyll put you in their promotional campaign for the launch of the new season.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Game 2 - Revenge of the Cockroach or Glory to the Mighty Maroons?
Game one went just about as the Guru thought and further to that we see a few changes. Walker is a gun, but he has been known to fall over under pressure and tonight he will see some of that. QLD were more determined in game one and they backed themselves. They will be better in game two and they'll need to be because the NSW side are pretty embarrassed after all that bragging amounted to nothing, the bullies are upset. Gus the Grub Gould was at it again, like the GF....different glasses this bloke.
This will be a mammoth task for the QLD boys, everything will be in the Blue corner, the Refs can't afford to mess this one up. The Guru doesn't tip against QLD but this game they will have to beat them black and blue and fight Benny in his bunker and 6 again Sutton and Gus up in the golden box.
QLD have the momentum and they have the self belief. NSW will have to take this by any means necessary.
QLD 21 NSW 20
Submitted by mark ashford on
Guru Craig
I always enjoy your game analysis and this one will be an uphill task for the Maroons. Forget Gus and his rubbish he's not on the field. What worries me is the ref and the bunker. Will they try and square things up to make next Wednesday a bloc buster? We have heaps of Blues supporters here but not a peep from any of them.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone,
My prediction for Game 2 is:
NSW 20 - Tries: Addo-Carr 2, Tupou
Goals: Nathan Cleary 4/4
Qld 18 - Tries: Capewell, Holmes, Faamaseleaui
Goals: Cherry-Evans 3/3
First Try scorer: Josh Addo-Carr
MOTM: James Tedesco
Enjoy the game folks and ladies!!!!
Cheers!!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Dragons Fanboy
Thank you for some in put from Blues supporters I wish you well with your predictions.
I'll toss in Maroons 13 Blues 10
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Here come's sutton, he's bided his time, he's blowing that whistle with confidence...2 penalty's and 4 six agains and NSW get a try...lol what a joke.
Submitted by JKBubble on
Anyone else having issues with stream?
Cut to adds before coversion
Submitted by Christine on
Mark
Origin 2 was played at the pace i was talking about after last weeks game last week was in no comparison to last nights game it is that sort of level we need these debutes for maroons playing at there was a huge difference & i knew the maroons on debute weren't up to that level which is exactly what i tried to say to you last week they have alot of work to do before next week ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Guru Craig
I must offer congratulations to the Blues as they were the better team last night. With a little help from Mr Sutton, being at home and the crowd it was always going to be a big ask for the Maroons. I believe Munster was tackled in mid air in the first couple of minutes which resulted in his head knock and inability to return to the game. No action taken against the Blues.
Well bring on Suncorp next week and we'll see if we can get some satisfaction.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Mark the Guru agrees in principal, however the decision by Sutton to bring NSW into the game with 2 penalty's and 4 six again]s, all in successive play, turned the game. QLD started well and NSW looked worried and in trouble after Coates try. Then as you say Munster, who was tackled or at least a dangerous contact in mid air, left the field. Hunt isn't up to Origin, he's barley club level off the bench and Friend threw some shocking passes. All up QLD were pretty terrible, but The Guru feels 'Six again' or 'Send off Sutton' was NSW best player, he's really made a name for himself this season turning games upside down.
QLD fell away into a comedy of errors after half time, no one stood up they just followed the script which was to guarantee a decider in Brisbane.
NRL website had the halftime possession at 53/47 to NSW, but on closer inspection there were 12 minutes missing in their calculations. The possession was more like 85/15 NSW. Strange things...The Guru watched the game again the following day and almost every time The Golden Cherry kicked the ball on the 5th tackle, he was held out of play and not given the chance to chase his kick. That's a penalty right there and a deliberate illegal tactic from the Grubs to control play. The Guru would have a QLD forward run interference and collar the bastards who take out the QLD #7. You can bet Cam Smith would be in Suttons ear about it if he was playing.
NSW are not the superstar side they tell everyone they are. Plenty of over-rated gumps in the turd blue colours this year and many grubs in the stadium booing the minute of silence...only in NSW.
QLD need to step up for the decider and take this series, light em up in the first 20 and shut the game down with disciplined control of field position. No more Hunt specials of kicking directly to Teddy or the Fox.
Guru will be cheering on the Maroon ladies this evening, hope to see QLD take out both series.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Guru
The game has been played and lost. The result didn't surprise me as I knew the ref and maybe the ARL/NRL wanted this result to keep the series alive. Wayne & Mal will have the boys ready and will have watched the game many times to try and eliminate errors.
What did you think of Val Holmes game? Is he up to this?
Just heard on the news Munster should be good to go so that will help.
At home and with a QLD crowd we'll give it a good shake.
Yes I'll be watching and cheering for our girls tonight.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hopefully the Qld ladies, with their 24/18 win over the Blues, have set the tone for men's SOO3 next Wednesday. Well done ladies!!
Bonus for the Maroons next week that the spectator restrictions have been lifted.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Charlie on
You see this is where Queensland get it wrong
Your women play like men
And your men play like women
Submitted by Guru Craig on
The Guru feels Valentine is a bit underdone still. He seemed to struggle with match fitness throughout the season, he has lost a fair amount of muscle mass after his American holiday as well. Brimson was the better FB.
QLD should be stronger with Munster and Grant and no doubt your are right about Mal and Wayne. If we can get a fair game QLD will win. For some reason in the first 2 games NSW started nervous and QLD were able to build a lead however mistakes and the 14th man Sutton allowed the Blues back into the contest. The G thinks Wayne will focus on that, managing the first 20min with disciplined play. A key for QLD will be getting first points, if the Maroons score first and manage the first 20 they will finish over the top.
Congrats to the QLD women!
Submitted by Charlie on
Rumours keep arising about an affair between Cameron Smith and Yvonne Sampson. I say enough is enough.
All this person has ever done is dedicated their life to our game and have helped make it the success that it is today. Just their presence of endurance has made the NRL a ratings success
Sorry Yvonne that you’ve been paired with this grub.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Charlie
Your comment about the QLD men and the QLD women gave me a chuckle, then you went on about the Cam Smith rubbish which has been examined and proven to be just that rubbish.
I could just as easily start rumours on social media that Brad Fittler is having an affair with Junior Paulo! Nonsense of course but there are some who would believe it just because they read it on facebook or twitter. Cam Smith is a very happy husband and father who doesn't deserve this crap to go any further.
CONGRATULATIONS to the QLD women on a great win.
Submitted by Christine on
Thry are now saying the commentators have too quarenteen before state of origin or the broadcast is in danger for state of origin 3 , surely not the commentaters go up there early do there quarenteen the game goes ahead as scheduled to if they are that concerned the nrl can pay for the commentaters to be quarenteened again after it is all done & they are back on there own turf just let the game continue cease the media jargen just to add some hype & may the better team win sorry by better i mean the maroons win ...
Submitted by Christine on
It isn't the ceo it is the cho ...
Submitted by Christine on
There is an article on nine msn that will chambers may end up at broncos he is back from over seas & wants to finish in the nrl
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Guru
Do you know who has been appointed as ref of game 3?
If it's Sutton I'll give up now.
Submitted by The Butcher on
An interesting observation
The sport of choice for low income earners and the unemployed is Basketball
The sport of choice for factory and maintenance workers is bowling
The sport of choice for frontline workers is football
The sport of choice for supervisors is cricket
The choice of sport for management is tennis and
The choice of sport for executives is golf
The amazing fact is the higher you go in your career the smaller your balls become.
There must be a lot of people in parliament playing marbles.
Submitted by mark ashford on
AH Butcher
Nice to see you back with a funny. I wonder what the Premier of QLD is playing with? I'd say hundreds and thousands but that would be too kind.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Hi butcher have you seen spud down there im worried about him swing past penriths leagues club and check out the trophy cabinet he will be the little skinny bloke standing and staring into it he may also be dribbling.
Submitted by Christine on
Rocket you lefy out helling ww were robbed they made us play against storm ...
Submitted by Christine on
Rocket you left out yelling we were robbed they made us play storm ...
Submitted by The Butcher on
Hey Rocket
I did my research and there was a person that walked into Penrith leagues in a rain coat and flashed the J J Guiltten shield
We may be on to something