Only a few more sleeps before the much-anticipated Origin 1 at the iconic MCG.This is the time of year when club footy really takes a back seat and rivalry of the two states is in the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Personally, I’m super excited for two reasons.
Firstly, the fact Queensland has had so many players retire and great ones at that, so that brings excitement within the state as the transitional period has well and truly happened.
Secondly, for the first time in a while, I think NSW have got it 100 percent spot on.
Why do I enjoy this you may think?
The challenge of the underdog and the pride that’s at stake.
My last game for Queensland was in 2016 in a winning series and it’s at this time of year in which any retired player that has played in this area before still wishes they were playing.
I’m definitely no different.
The camaraderie of the 10 days in camp with the boys along with the feeling that 4 million Queenslanders are right behind you will always stay close my heart at Origin time.
Both coaches have made changes.
For the Blues, Brad Fittler has 11 debutants which is a great move for mine as all these players are in terrific form and all chomping at the bit to get out there and do their family and state proud.
I thought that Josh Jackson was probably hard done by as he was the players’ player last year.
He’s just a victim of the system changing.
For Queensland, they had some real interest around the left-wing position.
Was Darius Boyd going to keep his spot or was Valentine Holmes going to retain it after his hat-trick from game 3 last year?
Kevin Walters went with Val and in my opinion, that is the right decision.
Without a noted kicker, Val got the jump as he’ll be the kicker.
A terrific instinctive winger, he’ll relish in the role of playing outside the new skipper GI.
Matt Scott was the other main talking point.
He has been a fantastic stalwart for Queensland over a long period of time but unfortunately time stops for no-one.
Coming back after major surgery and staring down the barrel of 33-years-old, his best footy is no doubt behind him and Kevie has made the tough decision to move forward.
This would of been one he thought long and hard about.
The talk suggesting that the Blues backline is lacking size is nothing but paper filling.
Latrell Mitchell and Tommy turbo (Tom Trbojevic) are no slouches in size and both are over 1.85cm and 100+ kg.
As for the other three, they’re pure speed and muscle machines.
Super athletes and real X Factors.
As I mentioned earlier, the transition has definitely happened with nearly a completely new spine.
Both the no.6 and the no.7 are the best in their current positions at this stage of the year which should provide everyone in Maroon a lot of confidence.
The test for them now is to deliver on the big stage.
This is also the same test most of the Blues must do.
I really feel their styles of play will really complement each other.
Both are very strong ball runners and each as equally skilful to spark something from nothing.
This makes for a terrific battle.
Just think of an Napa and RCG going at each other.
The winner of the ruck speed and yardage game will set their team in great stead to victory.
Traditionally game 1 games can be a low scoring cagey affair, however with so many changes in the two sides, I get the sense this one might be a bit different.
I’m expecting an explosive aggressive game that will have plenty of highlights and talking points.
I’m hoping the referees let the players sort the game out and put the whistle away.
Unlike what we are used to from week to week footy.
If you haven’t already picked up, I’m super excited for this one!
KEY BATTLE: Nathan Cleary v Ben Hunt
He needs to replicate the form from club land.
