2016 State of Origin: Game 1 Betting Tips
Draw your lines and pick your allegiance, because ladies and gentlemen, its time! Starting on Wednesday night, the Blues and Maroons will test themselves, their fans and their states in an attempt to taste the ultimate glory that is raising the State Of Origin shield.
Two years ago we saw New South Wales resilient as they ended Queensland’s eight-year dominance of the competition. However, it was short lived when the Maroons took back the Shield in the 3rd Game last year. After another long hard year, filled with plenty of trials and tribulations lets take a look at 2016 State of Origin Game 1.
New South Wales Blues
Where to begin… Firstly the Blues are in trouble in the halves. Yes, James Maloney is having a pretty solid season as he’s the inform five-eighth in the competition, averaging over 10 points per game. Since moving to the Sharks, however, JM has enjoyed a very talented side who’s scoring capabilities allow him to convert and notch up the 10+ points per game he averages. Let’s talk about how he doesn’t play defence. Last season he missed more tackles than another player in the NRL, and this season he’s averaging almost 5 missed tackles per game. Last time JM wore Sky Blue he was targeted due to his lack of defensive skills. Will he be targeted again?
Adam Reynolds was to many a surprise selection for the Blues. He hasn’t played much football this season and he’s never played Origin before. Reynolds does however have a superb kicking game. He certainly has big game experience too, winning the 2014 Premiership. How the debutant will handle the pressure of Origin we will have to wait and see.
Josh Dugan was NSW’s first choice, but after re-injuring his elbow at training camp Josh Morris has been called up to fill the void in the centres. Morris will be marking up on Greg Inglis. Despite his 2016 form he has always been able to contain Inglis at Origin and will slot into the side like a duck to water. Morris is one of the best defensive centres in the competition and his re-inclusion in the Blues will send shivers down some Queenslander’s spines.
Potentially the biggest inclusion is Matt Moylan. The Panthers’ fullback will take the field as fullback for NSW. His rise through the ranks has been quick but well deserved. He has the ability to change games and will be a real asset for NSW with Dugan now unavailable.
Queensland Maroons
The side Queensland selectors has named is potentially the most predicable side we could have seen. Is that a bad thing? We don’t think so. Sticking with the same team and letting them gel game after game, year after year has allowed Queensland to enjoy their recent success and will likely do so moving forward under new coach Kevin Walters.
With only two debutants we can expect a similar game style from the Maroons this year. Corey Oats and Justin O’Neill are the two new members. Oats is a monster. Standing at 6’4 he’s a big strong addition to the wing. He will offer speed and will be utilised as another kicking target. Currently sitting on 9 tries for the season, expect him to cross the line during the series.
Cooper Cronk is currently being watched under a careful eye after hurting his ankle during training. If Cronk who is now a game time decision is unable to take the field on Wednesday, Michael Morgan will shift in to halfback and DCE will become the utility off the bench.
SOO Game 1 Verdict
Origin is all about experience. Too often players get caught up in the hype. With experience, comes patience and with patience comes opportunity. The Experience of the Maroons line-up will get them across the line. If Cronk proves unfit to play, we will just get to see JT and Michael Morgan direct traffic like we do every week for the Cowboys. The depth in the Maroons outfit has been a staple of the last decade and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
Bet On: Queensland Head to Head – $2.02 at CrownBet (Using Special Below!)
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