Origin 1 Preview and Tips - Blues v Maroons

  vs  
26-05-2010 08:00PM at ANZ Stadium

Referee: Tony Archer and Shayne Hayne
Touch Judges: Paul Holland and David Abood
Referee: Bill Harrigan and Paul Simpkins

With all the talk of 'square ups' and fights and cheap shots..., the rivalry has once again continued along its wonderful path of frenzied anticipation. All the talk in the world won't matter at kick off. As Origin always does, tonight's version will deliver something that none of us have predicted or expected. There will be a moment, as there always is, that will simply amaze us all. The rain in Sydney will add to the spectacle as the best of any code in the country square off against each other at ANZ stadium tonight.

As far as predictions go, I've never tipped Queensland and I never will. Simply can't. Having said that it is impossible to ignore the supreme talent on show in Maroon jerseys tonight. Jonathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer have been the difference in the past 4 series and will probably be again tonight. Lockyer's kicking game is still the best in the land and will have NSW fighting out of their own end for an eternity. The pressure will mount and eventually show on the scoreboard. To counter act this, the Blues resolve will definitely be stronger this year compared to the meek surrenderings of the past, and in the end class will prevail.

My Man of the Match Prediction: Sam Thaiday (QLD)
My Tip: NSW 18-12

The Teams

New South Wales               Queensland
Suspensions No Suspensions Injuries No Injuries	1. Kurt Gidley Fullback 1. Billy Slater 2. Jarryd Hayne Wing 2. Darius Boyd 3. Timana Tahu Centre 3. Greg Inglis 4. Matt Cooper Centre 4. Willie Tonga 5. Brett Morris Wing 5. Israel Folau 6. Jamie Lyon Five Eighth 6. Darren Lockyer 7. Brett Kimmorley Halfback 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Michael Weyman Prop 8. Matthew Scott 9. Michael Ennis Hooker 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry Prop 10. Petero Civoniceva 11. Trent Waterhouse Second Row 11. Nate Myles 12. Ben Creagh Second Row 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Anthony Watmough Lock 13. Ashley Harrison 14. Jamal Idris Interchange 14. Cooper Cronk 15. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs Interchange 15. David Shillington 16. Luke Lewis Interchange 16. Neville Costigan 17. Brett White Interchange 17. Dave Taylor	Suspensions No Suspensions Injuries No Injuries

Head to Head

LeagueUnlimited Tipsters -

Other Games this Round

• New South Wales v Queensland at ANZ Stadium