2017 Origin I - QLD 4-28 NSW @ Suncorp

[big hit!]

Queensland have the better spine by quite some way. Cronk is the total opposite of Pearce- he thrives at this level.

same position in 2014, i.e., one of QLD's gun halves missing, and NSW won the first two games. Admittedly, QLD were caught on the hop in Game 1.

The thing is with Origin in the last decade is, QLD go into the game with a plan, slowing the play-the-ball, targeting certain NSW weaknesses, etc. NSW always talk it up, but then seem to just go into games without structure, plan and end up playing as individuals. Rinse and repeat.

It's at Lang Park, penalty count will be in their favour, so QLD will get crafty as usual. NSW could very well win, but they'll have to earn it against this mob.

 

[slamminsam246]

First time ive been doubtful of a Qld win at Suncorp since I was a school boy. Missing Thurston, Scott, Inglis and Parker from last game is huge in itself. Then add the Walters terrible inclusions and exclusions... Not confident at all. Hoping the home advantage and Smith/Cronk combo help pull off an upset....

 

[moffla]

Can see a 4 point or less win to either side here. Queensland are missing big players, but all that does is even the playing field. To take a guess, I'll say blues by 1.

 

[Light Reflections]

I really hope Morgan starts over Milf.

 

[Munted]

I AM RATHER HORNY FOR THIS GAME TONIGHT.

 

[Clifferd]

I AM RATHER HORNY FOR THIS GAME TONIGHT.

Farkin should be a cracker

 

[Walt Flanigan]

I don’t think QLD will miss JT as much as they missed Cronk a few years ago. That guy hurts NSW more than any other QLDer, when he just piles on repeats sets until NSW break.

 

[OzDragon]

I'm hearing on the grape vine that some urine sampling is to be performed.

Whether it's before,during or after the game is another point.

Is Carney in town for the game?

 

[RazorRam0n]

Channel 9 have slapped an R rating on tonight's match as they are expecting graphic images to be broadcasted of 17 red arseholes getting reamed for 80 minutes.

 

[Paullyboy]

I'm hearing on the grape vine that some urine sampling is to be performed.

Whether it's before,during or after the game is another point.

All the Sharks players will be nervous...

 

[Munted]

Farkin should be a cracker

Carn the blues!

 

[stormbati]

Can't wait for the game unfortunately I have to leave for work at 9.30pm so they'll still be going through the anthems by then.

 

[big hit!]

I really hope Morgan starts over Milf.

and put out the defensive structure completely?

Besides, if Milf has been taking the reps at training, would you really want a last minute change for Morgan to start?

if you're a NSWman, then it's yes to both questions. if you're a QLDer, then you would hope for no late change at this stage. After all, DCE starting Game 2 2014 after Hunt had taken all the reps (DCE was injured leading in to that game) at training was probably the biggest blunder in the Meninga/Hagan reign.

by all means, Kevvie, start Morgan

 

[ed-grimley]

I'm hearing on the grape vine that some urine sampling is to be performed.

Whether it's before,during or after the game is another point.

You're taking the piss.

 

[MilkShark]

I don’t think QLD will miss JT as much as they missed Cronk a few years ago. That guy hurts NSW more than any other QLDer, when he just piles on repeats sets until NSW break.

Cronks not in normal Cronk form. He's played some pretty average games this year.

 

[big hit!]

I don’t think QLD will miss JT as much as they missed Cronk a few years ago. That guy hurts NSW more than any other QLDer, when he just piles on repeats sets until NSW break.

what QLD can do with both Cronk and Thurston in the team is legitimately threaten the NSW edge defensive on both sides (Cronk - right; Thurston - left). With the combo's they had on their side of the field, and structured plays on 4th and 5th, it is just pressure, pressure, pressure. There's still familiarity for Cronk as there is no change to the right - Gillett, O'Neil, Gagai - from last year, but Milford has Papalii and Chambers to get to know, and they know him.

And what they'll miss with Thurston, as they did with Cronk on 2014, is the work rate and desperation in defence. How many times do you see both Cronk and Thurston as the first person back, making a tackle and set after an opposition line break? They're beasts at this both at club and in Origin. It's not just what they do in attack but their effort on the other side of the ball that makes those two greats!! Milford has to really step it up in defence.

 

[justdave]

NSW of course

I'll cheer Mitch on despite the fact I agree with some other posters. TBH, I reckon he'll have a cracking game

f**k it, I'll even cheer for Hayne even though I think he doesn't deserve to be there

 

[PANTHERMIKE]

NSW...... By 16.

Hayne MOM

 

[Slackboy72]

QLD by 10
NSW score no more than twice.

Mitchell Pearce most valuable player for QLD.

 

[Todd Hoffman]

NSW by 2.