Almanac Rugby League – State of Origin 2024, Game 1: Breaking the mould?

 

 

 

It’s State of Origin season which, for many, represents the pinnacle of rugby league, much to the chagrin of traditionalists who lament the demise of the international game. But it is what it is, so let’s enjoy the theatre, the skills and the hoopla that go with the territory.

 

Men’s Game 1

This will be a different series from several perspectives. NSW has a new coach, Michael ‘Madge’ Maguire, a premiership winning coach with South Sydney and NZ’s coach for the past 6 years. No shortage of experience there. And, what’s more, he stamped his signature on the role immediately by dropping his State captain of the past several years, James Tedesco. Subsequent injury issues have seen ‘Teddy’ reinstated but the coach has shown who’s boss. Maguire also overlooked seasoned stars like Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr, Damien Cook, Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard in his search for a way to break Queensland’s two-year winning run.

 

Another significant difference this year is a wider absence of top flight stars through long term injuries, far more than I can remember from years gone by. Between the two States, you can just about field a whole team of current players with Origin experience in the past couple of years. So there’s a bit of a new look about the personnel.

 

The other thing that stands out to me is the playing mindset of those selected for Game 1 – both teams look to be more attack-oriented than usual. That’s if they play to their natural game. Both sides look to have gone for mobility and speed whereas previous series have featured more bash-and-barge packs for a grinding war of attrition. Let’s see how that pans out.

 

The bookies have the Maroons as favourites and probably rightly so, logically speaking. Queensland has the more settled side, especially in the backline, which looks lightning fast; their forward pack is also quick on its feet as well as full of muscle; coach Billy Slater is a proven winner at this level. They have Origin veteran DCE guiding them around the park and the mercurial Walsh at fullback. Fair call. The challenge is that the game is in Sydney. That’s not the hurdle it once was but it remains a significant factor.

 

But nothing is ever as it seems in Origin.

 

For the Blues, a change of coach and approach bring a new dynamic with the players to match. A new captain. who leads by example won’t hurt. Challenge brings opportunity for the debutants. The home crowd will be a factor. The fear of a three-peat of losses is a mighty motivator. Don’t be surprised if NSW turns it on at Accor Stadium.

 

And a word about Jake Trbojevic. What a player, made for Origin! If he was eligible for the Maroons, he’d be one of the first picked – how’s that for a compliment? An inspired appointment by Maguire. Yes, I know Cleary or Murray would get the gong if they were fit, but I’d still go for ‘Jurbo’ who will play 80 minutes, set a standard and still be going at 100 miles an hour at the end. Isn’t it good to see one of the good guys get his just deserts (in all the best senses of the term)?

 

I think this is the most open Game 1 to a series in yonks. I expect it to break the usual first game mould of a dour, low-scoring struggle. Instead, I expect it will be open, flowing game, high-scoring and exhausting, both on and off the field. Let’s hope referee Ashley Klein uses the whistle judiciously and the Bunker has a good night by not being too intrusive, looking for a way to deny teams. It could be a blow out either way; it could be a nail-biter; it could be anywhere in between. It’s that open.

 

My tip? A minor upset with NSW to get home by less than 10. What price Tedesco for first try-scorer and Man of the Match? (Bear in mind that I got 0/5 in the NRL tipping last weekend.)

 

The Footy Almanac will have its resident Roy and HG (or should that be Statler and Waldorf?) at the Tanunda Club tonight and we can look forward to their report sometime tomorrow. (Timing dependent on quality and quantity of red consumed!)

 

Women’s Game 2

Queensland will be out to keep the 2024 series alive when Game 2 comes around in Newcastle tomorrow night. NSW dominated the opening clash in Brisbane and deserve warm favouritism this time around. They’re being quoted at $1.50. I would have thought $1.40 might be closer to the mark. NSW has an unchanged line-up (hardly surprising) and will be very confident given that they won Game 1 comfortably even though Sergis and Kelly had comparatively quiet games. That won’t happen two games in a row.

 

The Maroons have made a few changes which don’t appear to be all that logical. Lauren Brown in the centres? Keilee Joseph out of the 17? Still no Chelsea Lanarduzzi in sight? Ali Brigginshaw is under huge pressure after a poor first outing and Tarryn Aiken has to find time and space to weave her magic. It may well be that another loss tomorrow night and the series gone, the Maroons will have to look for changes in both personnel and game plans as they plan ahead.

 

My tip? NSW to be too big, too fast and too strong leading to a two-nil, series clinching victory by 13+.

 

We’ll have a post mortem for you on Friday.

 

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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