State of Origin teams: Five questions that matter ahead of Wednesday’s opener
MANY questions will be asked of both teams in Wednesday’s State of Origin opener. Robert “Crash” Craddock breaks down the five key issues that could decide the result of one of the most fascinating match-ups of recent times.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
MANY questions will be asked of both teams in Wednesday’s State of Origin opener. Here are the five which could decide the result of one of the most fascinating match-ups of recent times.
1 Have the Blues thrown the baby out with the bathwater?
Credit for bravery. Blues coach Brad Fittler, by including 11 debutants, has chosen the sort of team you might pick driving home from the ground after you have just lost a series. The question is has he gone off too soon. We all know the likes of Woods, Dugan and Ferguson had tortured Origin records but this year could have been their chance for redemption. The fascinating issue will be what happens if the Blues get towelled up. Once you have done the full renovation its hard to do it all again. This is a death or glory mission for the Blues.
2 Can NSW tackle?
Yes, we know that Josh Addo-Carr is faster than a speeding bullet and James Roberts can climb a building in a single bound ... but can the Blues tackle?
Even former Blues coach Laurie Daley is worried about it, pointing out that Roberts and Lattrell Mitchell have missed 31 NRL tackles between them this season.
Another former Blues coach, Craig Bellamy, said if you put an A for Attack or D for Defence against each Blue for their strongest quality most would be As. His big issue is whether the Blues have the defensive “fibre’’’ to stop Queensland.
3 Can Queensland ice the game?
Queensland may have won 11 of the last 12 series but often the gap between the sides in skill level, effort and metres made was a struck match. The difference was Queensland knew how to ice a match when it was on the line with five minutes to play. With no Thurston-Cronk-Smith at hand who will be the man to call “my ball’’ and launch the match-winning play. We tip Cameron Munster but the pressure will be huge.
4 Will Queensland kick the goals that matter?
Even Kevin Walters is concerned by this one. Where once there was a vast array of goal-kicking riches including the nerveless Smith and Thurston, now there is a chasm which must be filled by Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster, Ben Hunt or Dane Gagai. Holmes, with a success rate of 72%, is the most accomplished it says something about the lack of confidence in him that two days out from the match he is yet to be officially handed the duties. Holmes has not kicked all year. Just imagine it ... five minutes from full-time Queensland cross in the corner to level the scores. Over to you Val ...
5 Will the Queensland pack stand up?
This is a good Queensland pack but not a great one. It lacks a natural leader. Andrew McCullough will work hard all night, Dylan Napa at some point will go off tap and Josh McGuire will be his traditional reliable self. But the pressure will be on to hold the Blues in the middle to minimise the time and space given to the Blues pacy outside backs.
Originally published as State of Origin teams: Five questions that matter ahead of Wednesday’s opener
Ex-footy player’s downfall: Stolen BMW, desperate flight
Once a Capras under 16s star, this man’s life spiralled into drug use and crime, culminating in a high-stakes highway escape attempt.
Iconic Gold Coast wetsuit maker faces liquidation wipe-out amid $1.5m debt
The Office of Fair Trading has launched an investigation into Gold Coast wetsuit maker Aleeda as customers claim they haven't received goods or refunds after its $1.5m collapse.