The key duels to decide State of Origin I

KEY BATTLES TO DECIDE THE STATE OF ORIGIN OPENER:

* Cooper Cronk v Mitchell Pearce:

For almost the first time in his Origin career, Pearce can enter the series opener knowing he is in better form than his opposing halfback. The Sydney Roosters’ No.7 has set up nine tries and been involved in several match-winning plays this year to help them into the NRL’s top four. But Cronk, who could be playing in his last Origin series, knows how to get it done – with nine wins from 13 starts at halfback for the Maroons. If Johnathan Thurston is ruled out with a shoulder injury, much could weigh on how the Melbourne playmaker fares without him alongside him for the first time in his Maroons career.

* Dylan Napa v David Klemmer:

Team decisions on prop rotation will determine how much time the two young bulls will spend on the field together next week. But when they do clash, it’s likely to be epic. Both play with fire and brimstone and will be looking for each other. Klemmer has a slight statistical advantage with an average 47 metres more per NRL game this season, but don’t expect Napa to be intimidated on debut. This is likely be the first of many Origin duels between the pair.

* Darius Boyd v James Tedesco:

Livewire Tedesco’s form has been down for strife-hit Wests Tigers of late but his ability to start a set on the front foot will be vital come Wednesday night. Without injured winger Josh Mansour, Tedesco will be relied on to provide all the power and momentum at the back for NSW. Boyd’s selection at No.1 over Billy Slater was Queensland’s most contentious, but there’s no question over his ability and his three try assists at the back last year for the Maroons show he is a force to be reckoned with.

* Cameron Smith v Nathan Peats:

Blues debutant Nathan Peats will have his work cut out to go close to matching Smith in this match, but NSW need him to be at his best. Smith is the most-reliable player in the game, rarely missing a tackle or sending a pass askew. But Peats could provide the X-factor NSW have so long craved out of dummy-half while his angry attitude should be right at home in the Origin arena.

*Source: Fox Sports Stats

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