For the third time in the last four Origin matches, Matt Burton is 18th man for the Blues and unavailable for the Bulldogs, a move which has the club fuming that it could jeopardise their finals hopes.
The Blues’ decision to hand a NSW Origin jersey to rugby defector Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii could prove to be a masterstroke in league’s attempt to lure the Roosters superstar back to the NRL, according to the man that poached him.
Footage has resurfaced of Spencer Leniu towelling up a former teammate and Queensland enforcer in a boxing bout, as the Blues debutant declares he’s ready to “wreak havoc” in Origin I. Watch the video.
State of Origin is well and truly upon us, with NSW’s training camp struck by an injury as a key figure reportedly got “cut open”.
Queensland has reportedly pulled off a State of Origin heist right under the noses of NSW officials and a Blues great is blowing up.
The reason Clive Palmer is so desperate to register Israel Folau with Southport Tigers has become clear. CRASH TACKLE.
Brad Fittler has named his halves pairing for State of Origin I, while being forced to reshuffle his pack. See Freddy’s Game I line-up here.
Brad Fittler has made plenty of changes ahead of the State of Origin opener, including a brand new halves pairing for Game 1 next week.
As if there wasn’t enough angst on the field, now NSW and Queensland are going head-to-head for the right to host next week’s opening Origin clash. All will be revealed on Monday.
Broncos powerhouse Tevita Pangai Jnr hopes he gets the chance to make an impact with NSW this year, but if not, ‘I will bide my time and keep trying to show Freddy I can do a job.’
He was a revelation in last year’s Origin series win but Xavier Coates admits he ‘needs to be more accountable’ with his club form as the Broncos languish near the bottom of the table.
New details have emerged of the push to transform Townsville into a State of Origin cauldron if Melbourne loses the series opener.
NSW were beaten in the ‘unlosable’ series only seven months ago. Picking a player who only three years ago said ‘let’s move to Queensland’ would prove the Blues haven’t learned a thing.
He’s been talked up as a Maroons bolter on the back of a sizzling start to his career, only to hit with an untimely suspension.
Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/page/194