It is that time of year again folks! State of Origin: The hardest hitting, dirtiest, most intense sporting event in Australia is back and this is your guide to Game I of 2023 from Adelaide Oval on Wednesday May 31. This year promises to be a closely matched series, with a good mixture of young guns and old vets. Let’s take a look at our team lists.
Top Matchups:
Walsh v Tedesco – The wily vet vs the new generation. Reece Walsh has been electrifying since taking over the 1 jersey for the Broncos, combining excellent quickness with a great feel for the game. On the other side is captain Teddy, who has been held back by an inconsistent Roosters side. Tedesco’s experience could prove to be a huge factor here, and he is always dangerous bringing kicks out and in the offload game. The big question will be whether Walsh can stand up to the heat of the pressure cooker that is Origin and match the cool, calm and collected manner of Teddy.
Pangai Jr vs the Queensland forward pack – The biggest surprise of the Blues selections was definitely Tevita Pangai Junior, as the front rower has not had a great season with the Bulldogs. One thing he does bring is the ability to play on the edge, throwing his body into hits with reckless abandon, and not being afraid to get grubby out there. Fittler has brought him in to do the dirty work, and try and stir up the Queensland pack into making mistakes. This is a huge gamble, especially if the Payne Haas injury concerns have a foundation, and Pangai goes too far and spends some time in the bin.
Api Koroisau vs 80 minutes of Origin duty – Fittler has picked in-form dummy half Api Koroisau in favour of incumbent Damien Cook as he feels he brings a great feel for the service of the Luai/Cleary halves combination. I really miss Api with the Panthers as there is no doubting his incredible ability to “drive the bus” at hooker, and Penrith’s attack just hasn’t been the same since he left. My question would be whether Api can stand up to 80 minutes of punishment, as Fittler has no other true 9s on the bench. He has done it at the premiership level, but even then had a spell on the bench. It remains to be seen if the diminutive dummy half can stick it out for the full game.
Turbo v Val – A dream matchup of two veterans who have played some of their best football at Origin level. With the injury to Latrell Mitchell, will the attack shift to Tommy Turbo, and does he have the gas and the legs to compete with a prime Val Holmes? This will be a really fun matchup all night, with Trbojevic looking to prove his haters (Cam and myself included) wrong for criticising him for his form this season.
Billy vs Freddy – The classic matchup of coach vs coach. Freddy Fittler has been praised as well as battered by media members for his alternative training methods, brave and bold selections, and head scratchers when if comes to the interchange. On the other hand, Billy Slater’s debut series was a dream, with the team playing free flowing, but controlled footy. Slater has taken some fire for bucking the trend of keeping Maroons in the side until they pull themselves away after leaving Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga out the side for Game I. I am sure they are call ups in case of injury or poor form for Game II, but it shows Bill’s power in the selections, and the fact that he wanted to build a team on merit and not past accomplishments. All eyes will be on the coaches box as the game goes on, with two of rugby league’s most recognizable personalities leading their respective teams out on Wednesday night.
Prediction:
Queensland 18 over NSW 14 – On a cool, crisp night, the Maroons fight back against an early NSW lead, with Cobbo and Munster scoring late tries to lead the Toads to victory in Game 1.
For those new to Origin, check out the videos below for a taste of the greatest rivalry in Australian sport.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKCKoCLIkg4 – Game III – 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKAtI2RixG8 – Game III – 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXnoITLg9HM – Best hits of State of Origin
And for more analysis and our thoughts on Origin, check out this week's Origin Special of the My Ignorant Wife Podcast!
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