State of Origin II Preview

Three weeks have passed since the first Origin encounter of 2006 and it has been one busy and interesting little period. Let?s take a look at Wednesday?s match-up.

Queensland?s Waterloo

After more than 25 years of war the Maroons are in an unfamiliar position. Their coach is declaring that should they lose this year?s series, the entire fate of Origin football is at stake. This makes Mal Meninga not too dissimilar from Napoleon.

Big Mal has rallied his troops, the Grand Armee, into war after a period of exodus on a remote Mediterranean island. But I fear he has injected the Old Guard into proceedings a little too early. The criticisms of the Queensland team have been widespread so I thought I might as well add my two cents worth.

Firstly, they went out of their way to pick a young back row in the first game upon the understanding that they would develop and mature in their exposure to Origin football. So, why on earth would you drop fit, young men for Tonie Carroll and Chris Flannery? Carroll was coming back from injury when facing the Warriors, in which he was subsequently injured again, and Flanno has done nothing but tape up his shoes all year and run out onto the field.

Next they decide to drop Bowen because they think Hunt will be a better custodian. Not sure what the story is there, but I doubt Hunt is up to Origin football, and Bowen?s attack will be sorely missed.

Then there?s the real joker in the pack: Adam Mogg. He?s been playing well all year for the Raiders but surely he must have thought someone was pulling his leg when the Queensland selectors picked him to cover the loss of Greg Inglis. Anyone for Wesser, Schifcofske, Bowen?

A few things I think the Maroon selectors have picked right is the choice of Storm three-quater Steve Bell at centre in this match. He will be dangerous when given the ball and can also defend well out wide. Carl Webb?s presence in the run-on side should also provide some much needed mongrel. The Maroon?s desperately require someone who can unleash a bit of pain at the drop of a hat and he?s just the man to do it.

Looking at their bench though, it would have to be one of the most ineffective of all time. Thaiday may provide some impact if used correctly in this game, but the rest of reserves are a bit strange if you ask me. Why would you pick Lillyman ahead of the dumped Scott or Stagg? He?s only had 3 first grade games this year?is it to save face? And I?m still unsure of Shaun Berrigan?s role in match, he did very little in Game I.

New South Wales?s Desert Storm 2

Graham Murray will stride out into the lush surroundings of Suncorp Stadium with one mission in mind ? destroy the Maroons. The Blues know they have weapons of mass destruction hidden somewhere, they?re just been unable to find them over the past three series.

With only one change to their line-up it?s hard to see New South Wales struggling for cohesion in this contest. Luke O?Donnell has been forced out with a hand injury making way for the ever-reliable Luke Bailey to come onto the bench.

It?s never easy winning at the ground formerly known as Lang Park and I think that the Blues have a sound opportunity to wrap-up the series in style, disappointing all those fans in Victoria who are hoping for a decider in the Southern Capital.

Hindmarsh and Buderus will provide the Blues with lots of go-forward and if they can distribute the ball to their backs, Gasnier, Tahu, Grothe and King will have a field day.

The Decision

When all is said and done Origin football is a very different beast in reality than on face value. Queensland only lost by one point last game but I think it should have been by plenty more. But that won?t affect the Maroons, they?re happy to be under-dogs and will thrive on the pressure placed on NSW to win the series outright.

Plus, most people think that there should always be a decider and sometime these things will themselves to happen. I?m bucking the trend though, I think New South Wales will win by 4 points and carry the shield off home south of the border.