2018 Origin II - NSW 18-14 QLD @ ANZ

[adamkungl]

NSW should win but impossible to write off a QLD side under the pump.
Front row seems to be QLD's biggest weakness on paper but they still spent much of game 1 on the front foot.

NSW by.. 4? Who knows. Should be a cracker

 

[Life's Good]

Will never be beat.
Maybe Broncos GF 2015...

99GF say hi (sad face).

 

[mozza91]

NSW - 22
Ponga -18

 

[GongPanther]

Prior is a seasoned all round hard bastard. He won't dissapoint.

 

[GongPanther]

absorbing fertiliser

I don't think it would not be too kind on the feet whilst walking on wet ground with fertiliser.

 

[Rhino_NQ]

superman has a pair of matt prior pyjamas

 

[MilkShark]

I hope you Maroons are ready for the wrath of Cordner on Sunday night.

 

[big hit!]

I hope you Maroons are ready for the wrath of Cordner on Sunday night.

he won't lose the series by running out of the line to give mcguire space, or give away cheap penalties

 

[MilkShark]

he won't lose the series by running out of the line to give mcguire space, or give away cheap penalties

Um, what?

 

[big hit!]

NSW should win but impossible to write off a QLD side under the pump.
Front row seems to be QLD's biggest weakness on paper but they still spent much of game 1 on the front foot.

NSW by.. 4? Who knows. Should be a cracker

i keep saying to anyone who will listen, NSW won Game 1 because of Maloney and his organisation.

QLD had no organisation because Munster doesn't do this, Hunt didn't train with the side during the week, and Slater didn't play. Folks are crapping on about Ponga above Slater, but what Slater will bring in talk and organising direction of play and the defensive line will be invaluable.

Game 1 was a mirror opposite to much of Origin of the last decade, where the organisation of Lockyer, then Cronk, along with Thurston & Smith at acting half, was the consistent difference over what NSW brought. NSW could always compete over those years, but just couldn't make the lethal strike.

Game 1 was the first time in a long time where which ever team was on top, NSW always looked like the team who would capitilise. Slater in, and Hunt getting more reps at training to work around his forwards gives QLD more of a chance

 

[Xcalibre]

Constant speculation on if Napa will play is amusing, as if he's relevant. Most overrated forward.

 

[King hit]

Constant speculation on if Napa will play is amusing, as if he's relevant. Most overrated forward.

It is reminding me of Game 2 2014 when DCE wasn't 100% and Hunt was knocking on the door but they still went with the DCE. It ended with DCE letting Hodkinson through to seal the series.

 

[King hit]

Napa is going to play

 

[Dave_]

This game is the real decider. If the good guys win, they lead 2-0. If the bad guys win, they'll win again in 2 head land anyway.

 

[Dave_]

Going to be much tougher for NSW up against Ponga and Slater. One all time great and one absolute freak of a player we didn't have to deal with in Game 1.

The presence of Slater is just massive for the mongs...he'll be a merkin

 

[Xcalibre]

Napa is going to play

Queensland are morals then!!

Now, if there were question marks over whether or not Ponga is playing, the speculation would be justified. I'd be pretty confident of a Blues win if he wasn't, but he adds a potent weapon to the Maroons, which could be the difference.

 

[mozza91]

Walters is best to keep Ponga on the bench for the 80. He has a real team to go back to.

 

[mxlegend99]

Constant speculation on if Napa will play is amusing, as if he's relevant. Most overrated forward.

I think his Roosters teammate Boyd Fraudner has him covered.

 

[LostInTranslation]

Would be surprised if Queensland lost in all honesty. The blues have speed but were well overpowered in the second half of game 1. They were lucky to win game 1. Only thing Queensland lacked was some creativity in attack. With Slater and Ponga in the team and a whole week to prepare set plays, creative stuff etc, I feel this won't be a problem. The Blues will score some tries off Tedesco, Roberts, Addo-Carr etc, however these players will concede more tries then they will score due to their poor defence. Their defence held up in game 1, but that was against a creative-less attack. Add some creativity (Ponga, Slater) and the defence won't hold.

 

[umina panther]

Walters is best to keep Ponga on the bench for the 80. He has a real team to go back to.

He's going back to replace the deadweight JT?