2015 State of Origin Game 3 Betting Tips
For 35 years, the NRL has provided us with the fiercest rivalry across any code – New South Wales Vs Queensland. The Blues Vs The Maroons. Mate Vs Mate. State Vs State.
Wednesday’s Game 3 of the 2015 State of Origin is certainly no exception.
Will the Blues successfully defend the shield or will the Maroons prove too tough and reclaim the title they tragically lost after eight long years?
Laurie Daly and the Blues selectors have chosen to keep their side unchanged since Game II. The only possible change is still yet to happen with Blues Hooker Robbie Farrah injuring his hand against the Panthers and is required to complete a few tests to prove his match fitness. Cronulla’s Michael Ennis will get the call up if Robbie can’t play. After their convincing win in Melbourne during Game II the Blues will enter this one with plenty of confidence.
Suncorp stadium has always, however, been daunting for the Blues. The last time they won a decider at Suncorp was in 2005. To get the job done, they will need huge games from their Captain Paul Gallen and the key playmakers Trent Hodkinson, Josh Dugan and Mitchell Pearce.
Big Mal Meninga, meanwhile, has made plenty of changes to the Maroons. Billy Slater is out for the season with his shoulder injury, Josh McGuire has been omitted and we’ve likely seen the last of Daly Cherry-Evans in Maroon as he’s been dropped from the team completely. It’s Michael Morgan who will replace him on the bench. Josh Papalii is back and Cooper Crook returns at number 7. With Slater out there’s a slight reshuffle as Greg Inglis moves to Fullback, Will chamber will slot in to the centre and debutant Dane Gagai will attack from the wing.
The Suncorp crowd play a huge part in Origin, they’re loud and not afraid to let the Blues know their simply not welcome. With the Crowd and the Fact this is Justin Hodges last appearance in Maroon the Queensland team has plenty swinging their way. Since 2010 Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk has missed 3 Games and the Maroons have lost all 3. The Blues will need to contain Cooper is history is any indicator.
Everything’s coming up Queensland in this one – Cooper (Returning) + Hodges (Last Game) + Suncorp (Home) = a likely victory.
Queensland had a lot of issues off field with DCE in the camp but he’s gone and the bonds are looking like they did two years ago when they won their 8th in a row. Expect Queensland to run amuck with the Blues defence. Expect the Maroons to score fast and hard.
Betting Tip: Queensland by 1-12 points – $2.65 at Crownbet
