Locals have their say on Queensland’s State of Origin hopes

RUGBY LEAGUE: It’s a different time of the year and a new venue, but the intensity hasn’t dropped ahead of the start of the State of Origin series.

Josh Papalii. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

For the first time ever, Adelaide will play host to the opening clash of Australian sport’s greatest rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales.

The Blues have been rated heavy favourites by the bookies with Queensland set to welcome a number of debutants into the fold.

However the verdict is they will relish the underdog tag, as they look to snap the cockroaches run of two-straight series victories.

We spoke with local rugby league identities to get their take on how the series will pan out.

EUGENE SEDDON (WESTERN MUSTANGS) - Seddon was in fine form when The Chronicle sought out NRL grand final predictions, nailing the Storm and Ryan Papenhuyzen to claim the Churchill Medal. The Mustangs U21s coach is siding with the Maroons to cause an upset, with the brains trust to develop a plan to take down NSW.

“I’m going to say Queensland. They’ve assembled a really good coaching staff of Wayne Bennett, Mal Menina and Neil Henry. They’re three of the smartest coaches involved in Queensland rugby league,” he said.

“There are a lot of 2001 vibes about this team. They were a team of underdogs with a lot of debutants and surprised a lot of people.

“Bennett has a way of getting the best out of his players, and they’ll be jumping out of their skin to rip into the Blues.

“New South Wales has a great combination with its spine, but if Queensland can stick to its structures, they can potentially get them on the edges.”

Series prediction - Queensland 2-1

ANDREW O’BRIEN (TRL MEDIA) - Queensland has gone in as underdogs since 1980 according to O’Brien, and he believes the coaching staff will enjoy flying under the radar.

“Wayne Bennett is a pretty shrewd coach, and he is Queensland through and through,” he said.

“He has the most credentialed Queensland coach in Mal Meninga and the best ever assistant in Neil Henry.

“Queensland still has great players like Cameron Munster and Josh Papalii who are going well.

“New South Wales’ backs are more experienced and have a higher skill level, but we are good defensively out back, and will look to keep the ball up front.

“This Adelaide game is so crucial and is a must win for Queensland.”

Series prediction - Queensland 2-1

THE CHRONICLE’S SAY - There is no doubt that the Maroons will be lapping up the fact that all the pressure is on the Blues.

But there’s a reason why New South Wales are almost unbackable favourites, because there is a clear gap between the teams this year.

Injuries have depleted Queensland’s stocks, particularly in the outside backs, and the Blues have the firepower to take full advantage of that.

Jack Wighton’s ball-running is a big strength, and the bench of New South Wales ensures they lose nothing when they make an interchange.

New rules allows for greater attack, and I don’t see how Queensland will be able to score enough points to get over the top of the Blues.

Series prediction - New South Wales 3-0