NRL Semi-Finals Betting Preview: North Queensland, Canberra Odds Favorites
Sep 13, 2016
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Kyle Feldt of the Cowboys is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a try during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at AAMI Park on September 10, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
The second week of the NRL Finals will see no second chances for any of the four sides playing. They are competing for the chance to progress to the preliminary finals against either the Melbourne Storm or the Cronulla Sharks. Canberra and North Queensland will be thankful for this second opportunity to reach that stage as they face off against Penrith and Brisbane, respectively.
An all-Queensland clash kicks off the weekend as the Cowboys host the Broncos in Townsville. In a rematch of the 2015 Grand Final, there is certainly no love lost between these two sides. After overcoming the Titans on home soil, the Broncos will be looking to produce an epic performance to overturn a price of $2.70 with the bookmakers, according to website AustralianGambling.
The Cowboys stand at $1.47 and are many people's pick to meet the Storm in the Grand Final this year. They, however, still have this match and another to win before they can start contemplating that scenario.
The 2015 Grand Final clash between these two is widely regarded as the greatest decider of all time, with the match decided by a Johnathan Thurston field goal. The past four matches between these two have been decided by four points or fewer, including three one-point results in succession.
With that in mind, the $2.75 available on the Cowboys winning by 1-12 may appeal. Only one of the past seven matches between these two has been decided by a margin of greater than 12 points.
Heading into the first week of the Finals, Canberra were in red-hot form, until they came up against a resolute Cronulla side who managed to edge that match and force the Raiders to play again this week. It was an epic match, and it may have taken a lot out of the Canberra side. They will host the Penrith Panthers, who themselves have found form at the business end of the season.
Having overcome the Bulldogs in impressive fashion, they will go into this match confident that they can turn around a price of $2.01. The Raiders head into this game as favorites priced at $1.86. After such a grueling match against the Sharks, it will take a massive effort for them to get past the Panthers.
These four sides have their whole seasons hanging in the balance and resting upon the performances that they can produce this week. They are fighting for the right to play in a preliminary final and will still harbor hopes of glory in the coming Grand Final. Sudden-death rugby league at its best as the NRL season comes to its conclusion.
NRL Finals Betting Preview: Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Penrith Lead Odds
Sep 5, 2016
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Cheyse Blair of the Storm breaks through a tackle during the round 26 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on September 3, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
The fixtures for week 1 of the NRL Finals have been confirmed after a thrilling last round of the regular season.
The Melbourne Storm claimed the minor premiership while the Cowboys edged into the final top-four spot. The Gold Coast Titans secured the final playoff position, despite a loss thanks to Wests being unable to win as well. With form often a key factor in Finals footy, intrigue lies ahead for all eight clubs.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast face off in the opening fixture of the weekend in this all-Queensland clash. The Broncos won the only time these two sides met this season and will be confident of repeating that feat. Confidence may be lacking at the Titans after a two-game losing streak but Finals can bring the best out of players. Brisbane are priced at $1.29 while the Titans stand at $3.65, according to website AustralianGambling.
Cronulla's poor run of form at the business end of the season has seen them lose the opportunity to host a home game in week 1, with that honor going to a Canberra Raiders side in the midst of a 10-match winning streak that sees them favorites for this match at $1.60.
Cronulla certainly have the quality to overcome odds of $2.35, but it will be an uphill struggle against an in-form Canberra side.
This year's minor premiers will face off against last year's Grand Final victors as the Storm host the Cowboys. Melbourne has the edge on the odds at $1.80 in contrast to North Queensland, who are priced at $2. As is often the case, this match could be dictated by the Storm's ability to deal with the Cowboys' star man Johnathan Thurston. With plenty of their own big names, the Storm will be quietly confident.
Three straight losses have seen the Bulldogs drop from top-four contenders to languishing in seventh position. Their opponents Penrith, however, have surged into the Finals on the back of five impressive victories. At home, the Panthers are held as favorites at $1.50 while the Bulldogs must overcome their poor form and odds as they stand at $2.60.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Players pray after the round 25 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Sydney Roosters at Shark Park on August 27, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
The final round of the National Rugby League kicks off with two teams still in the running for the minor premiership and two sides battling it out for the eighth playoff position.
The Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks will meet in a winner-takes-all match for the minor premiership, while the Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers face their own separate daunting matches against top opposition.
Early in the season, it appeared as if Cronulla would run away with the minor premiership, but the Storm managed to stay on the heels of the Sharks. A dip in form from the Sharks paved the way for Melbourne to take top spot, but a surprise loss to the Broncos in Round 25 has again thrown the race wide open.
Cronulla sit one point behind the Storm on the ladder and are priced at $2.75 for their match this week, per NRL.com. The Storm are favorites to win the match and take the title priced at $1.44. Melbourne is also the $3.75 favorite on the Grand Final odds, according to the website AustralianGambling.com.au.
The Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans are still alive in the fight for playoff berths. The Titans are currently in the desired eighth spot, and Wests must win this week to have a shot at overtaking them.
Wests host the Canberra Raiders and stand at $2.25 to win. The Raiders, however, are in fine form and could deny the Tigers any hope as they are priced at $1.65.
Regardless of Wests' result, the Titans can secure their place in the playoffs by getting a win over the North Queensland Cowboys this week—a task that is easier said than done.
Gold Coast will be disappointed they were unable to end this battle in Round 25 at home against Penrith, as an away trip to the Cowboys is not an ideal to place to travel when needing a result. The Cowboys are $1.32 favorites for this match compared to $3.40 for the Titans.
With both the Tigers and Titans looking for wins against the odds, there is a distinct possibility that the Titans will qualify with a loss. There is no such fallback for the Sharks and Storm, though. They must win to claim the minor premiership.
Marshawn Lynch Practices with Australian Pro Rugby League Team
Marshawn Lynch is playing for everyone but the Seattle Seahawks these days.
The retired NFL running back has helped his alma mater by taking reps during a California Golden Bears practice. The team is preparing for a Friday night opener in Sydney, which gave Beast Mode an opportunity to try out rugby.
On Wednesday, he transitioned to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who are currently placed 13th out of 16 National Rugby League squads. The five-time Pro Bowler trained for the physical game by taking down a local reporter:
NRL Round 25 Betting Preview: Warriors, Storm Among Odds Favorites for the Week
Aug 24, 2016
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Gavin Cooper of the Cowboys is tackled by Albert Vete of the Warriors during the round 24 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors at 1300SMILES Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
The NRL's penultimate round arrives this weekend with many teams' hopes of making the finals hanging by a thread.
The New Zealand Warriors and Wests Tigers no longer have their destiny in their own hands, as they both require the Gold Coast Titans to drop points in the remaining two fixtures as well as win both of their own matches.
The Warriors and the Tigers meet in Round 25 of NRL action, so regardless of the Titans' result, one of them will be out of the chase.
By the time the Warriors host the Tigers this weekend, they will know exactly what is needed of them as the Titans play earlier in the round. The New Zealand side are heavy favorites to keep themselves in the race for the top eight priced at $1.34, according to website Australian Gambling.
In contrast, the Tigers' away form is held against them as they stand at $3.20.
Before that match the Gold Coast Titans may well have condemned both sides to failing to reach the finals this season. They face the Penrith Panthers on home soil and will be confident of victory to ensure a spot in the finals that seemed a farfetched dream at the beginning of the season.
Many pundits ranked the Titans as a sure bet for the wooden spoon, but they now stand priced at $1.78 to claim a spot in the top eight. Penrith are in fine form at the moment, however, and will believe they have the quality to overturn odds of $2.05 at the sportsbooks.
The Melbourne Storm only require one point from their remaining two fixtures to secure the Minor Premiership, and they face a tough but certainly winnable match against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 25. Melbourne sits at $1.04 to win the minor premiership.
A Storm win is priced at $1.50 for this week, while the Broncos stand at $2.60. The Broncos still have faint hopes of reaching the top four but must win in Melbourne if they are to have any chance at all.
State of Origin 2016: Game 3 Score and Reaction for Blues vs. Maroons
Jul 13, 2016
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Tyson Frizell of the Blues celebrates scoring a try during game three of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on July 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
A 79th-minute try from Michael Jennings gave New South Wales Blues a dramatic 18-14 win over Queensland Maroons at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday, as they avoided a series whitewash in the 2016 State of Origin series.
An early try from Greg Inglis gave the Maroons a 4-0 lead, although the Blues went ahead after a Tyson Frizell try was converted.
After the break, converted tries from Andrew Fifita and Gavin Cooper moved the score on to 12-10 to New South Wales. Darius Boyd's 74th-minute try looked to have won it for the visitors before Jennings went over seconds before the buzzer.
Queensland had already clinched their ninth series in 10 years coming into this one, having won both of the first two matches.
It was a momentous day for New South Wales’ long-serving skipper Paul Gallen, who was playing in his final Origin tie. The team’s official Twitter feed paid tribute to him prior to kick-off:
After Johnathan Thurston uncharacteristically missed the conversion, the Blues responded very well, putting the Maroons defence under pressure and feeding off the noise created by the crowd.
Eventually, they grabbed the try their play deserved. A brilliant high take from Blake Ferguson stopped a Queensland attack, and from there, New South Wales built their play brilliantly. It culminated with a superb offload from Gallen, before Frizell finished with aplomb; James Maloney converted to make it 6-4.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Tyson Frizell of the Blues scores a try during game three of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on July 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse
A 10-minute sin bin for Cooper Cronk after some persistent holding gave the Blues a chance to extend their lead before the interval. They piled forward, setting up camp in the Queensland half. But despite a succession of opportunities, the Maroons were able to hold firm and kept the deficit to two.
At half-time, AAP’s Steve Zemek summed up just how well Queensland had done to keep the score down and how profligate the Blues had been with their chances:
Blues lead penalty count 9-1. Have had 38 tackles in Maroons' 20m zone (compared to Qld's 7). Yet they lead by just 2 #Origin
It didn’t take long for the hosts to extend their advantage after the restart, though. Within two minutes of the kick-off, they’d capitalised on a defensive error from the Maroons, with Fifita scrambling over the try line. Maloney’s simple conversion gave the Blues an eight-point lead.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Andrew Fifita of the Blues tackles Gavin Cooper of the Maroons after Cooper scores a try during game three of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on July 13,
Given the quality of their play throughout the series, a response from Queensland did seem inevitable at this point. And it was a day to remember for Cooper, as he scored on his Origin debut.
As we can see here, he did superbly to hold off the challenge of the New South Wales defender before Thurston’s conversion cut the Blues’ lead to 12-10:
A brawl in the aftermath of the try resulted in Fifita sitting out 10 minutes and allowing the Maroons a chance to get a foothold in the game. But they were unable to capitalise with their opponents a man down.
They were staying in the game with clever kicking and savvy running, though, keeping the Blues under pressure. And in the 74th minute, that told, as a big kick forward slipped through the hands of Josh Mansour before a delighted Boyd reacted fastest to touch down.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Darius Boyd of the Maroons celebrates after scoring a try during game three of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on July 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Ph
It was a huge blow to the home crowd, who were plunged into silence. But even with the series gone and a possible whitewash to come, the Blues battled back late in the game with just two points to make up. And it was Jennings who capitalised after a wonderful surge from Ferguson to win this one for the Blues:
Fittingly, it left Gallen with the chance to add a conversion with his last action in Origin matches, and he did exactly that, making the score 18-14 on the buzzer.
Blues head coach Laurie Daley was pleased with the efforts of his side in the third game of the series:
The Blues looked as though they were going to see rudimentary errors cost them again here. However, they showed great spirit in the latter stages, and while another series has escaped them, a last-gasp win over their rivals is always something to savour. Gallen will be delighted with how he bowed out, too.
Queensland did look leggy in the latter stages and perhaps felt the effects of the late pressure in the first period. They'll be contented with another series win nonetheless, something that'll quickly ease the pain of this late loss.
State of Origin 2016: Date, Start Time, Live Stream for Blues vs. Maroons Game 3
Jul 13, 2016
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Matt Gillett, Johnathan Thurston and Corey Parker of the Maroons celebrate victory during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Game 3 of the 2016 State of Origin may be a dead rubber when New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons meet at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday but expectations for a high-energy contest remain.
The Maroons take a 2-0 lead into the final match of the best-of-three series after a convincing display in their last meeting. An attritional 6-4 win in the opener was followed up with a 26-16 triumph last time out at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Now they have the chance to complete a clean sweep of wins for the first time since 2010 and further damage the credibility of the Blues.
Here are the key viewing details, plus a closer look at how the third match is set to pan out.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Darius Boyd of the Maroons runs the ball during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chri
New South Wales will be desperate to avoid a humiliating trio of defeats to their fiercest rivals when Game 3 gets underway.
The Blues were second best in the second clash of the series but were perhaps unfortunate not to add to their haul of points. However, Queensland were always in control of the contest, and when they had to dig deep, they were capable of managing their opponents' offence.
Dane Gagai had a remarkable game in Brisbane, as he became the fourth Queenslander to score an Origin hat-trick, per Jon Healy of ABC. What made it even the more impressive was he produced a performance of such quality in just his third appearance for the side.
Minor margins often make a considerable difference in the cut-throat environment of an Origin match, and last time out the Maroons were strong enough to hold their nerve and secure a vital win to claim the series.
Take a look at the highlights of Queensland's triumph in Game 2 in June:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7ALYgaeMEw
In Game 3, the title is already secured, and the pressure will be on them to secure an historic fifth clean sweep of wins, per Travis Meyn, Peter Badel and Paul Malone of the Courier-Mail (h/t the Herald Sun).
Ex-Queenslander Darren Lockyer believes his former side mustn't pass up the opportunity to hurt their opponents in the long term, per the Herald Sun:
"If Queensland come out and win this game, NSW will be scarred. If Queensland are able to put NSW to the sword, then there will be a lot of scars going into the next series. Look at how last year’s 52-6 scoreline in the decider affected NSW this season."
Meanwhile, skipper Cameron Smith is determined to make his team-mates aware of the significance of the supposed dead rubber. Per Herald Sun, he said:
We really had a good opportunity (in 2009) but our preparation was pretty ordinary to be honest and we wanted to make up for it in 2010. People remember whitewashes. It’s not something I’m going to hang my hat on as an Origin captain but if we were to win down there and win the series three-nil it’d be a pretty special feeling. I spoke to the guys and my main message was that we don’t want to lose focus on the opportunity we have. There’s talk about it being a dead rubber but to me it means a lot.
The Blues will be looking for inspiration heading into the final match of the series and may have found a key performer in James Tedesco. The West Tigers fullback has finally been drafted in after an irresistible season for the 23-year-old at club level.
COFFS HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: James Tedesco of the Blues speaks with Wade Graham during the New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session on July 6, 2016 in Coffs Harbour, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
A shoulder injury prevented him from progressing into the No. 1 Blues slot earlier in his career but some fine running this year has forced coach Laurie Daley to name him in the team. Yet to make his Origin debut, Tedesco could be in for an eye-opening experience when Queensland smell new blood. Fortunately for him, he is built for the challenge and is expected to relish a physical encounter.
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - JULY 12: Retiring NSW Origin skipper Paul Gallen during the New South Wales Blues State of Origin captain's run at ANZ Stadium on July 12, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)
In contrast to the youngster, Paul Gallen will be featuring in his final Origin match on Wednesday, per Adam Santarossa of SBS. The 34-year-old is coming to the end of his career, but his desire remains. He posted on his personal Instagram account:
Last game for New South Wales Blues tomorrow night. It's a massive privilege to pull on the blue jersey and something I've never taken for granted. Can't wait to run out with these boys one last time! Thanks to all my past team-mates and all you fans. Make sure you get to ANZ Stadium, it's going to be on.
With 10 Origin series wins in the last 11 years, the Maroons have already completed their task for this year. However, pride remains on the line for both sets of players and fans. Physicality, rousing challenges and endeavour comes as a standard when these two teams clash. With new talent and retiring legends, the Sydney crowd could see NSW dealt a crushing blow or the beginning of a new era.
State of Origin 2016: Game 2 Score and Reaction for Maroons vs. Blues
Jun 22, 2016
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Dane Gagai of the Maroons celebrates scoring a try with Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Justin O'Neill of the Maroons during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
The Queensland Maroons are the 2016 State of Origin champions after a 26-16 win over the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Wednesday gave them an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series.
After two penalties apiece from Johnathan Thurston and Adam Reynolds, Dane Gagai scored the first try of the game for the Maroons, giving them a 10-4 lead at the interval. In the second period the winger went on to complete his hat-trick, sandwiching a Tyson Frizell response for the Blues.
James Maloney set up a fascinating finish when he scored late on, but Maroons nerves were settled when Corey Oates added the gloss to the scoreline eight minutes from time.
Queensland carried a 1-0 series lead into this clash after an attritional 6-4 win over their rivals in Sydney earlier this month.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Michael Jennings of the Blues is tackled by Matt Gillett of the Maroons during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Bris
The early stages of Game 2 immediately suggested this one was not going to be quite as tight an affair, with both teams showing a little more aggression in attack. It was ambition that also yielded some early mistakes, allowing Reynolds to put over two penalties book-ended by two from Thurston.
There were times when the players did seem to overstep the mark, however. Per FOX SPORTS NRL, Queensland’s Sam Thaiday was placed on report for this tackle on Blues skipper Paul Gallen:
At 4-4, the match was well balanced, and the visitors seemed to be grabbing a foothold as half-time edged closer. However, Queensland showed just how ruthless they can be, as Gagai latched on to a loose pass and made for the try line.
As we can see courtesy of the NRL Twitter feed, the winger still had a long way to go before touching down:
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Dane Gagai of the Maroons scores a try during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley
Thurston curled in a sumptuous conversion to give the hosts a six-point advantage, one they were unable to extend before half-time despite some heavy late pressure on the New South Wales defence.
While the Blues had acquitted themselves well for long periods of the opening stanza, there were signs late in the half that an onslaught from Queensland was coming.
And as it transpired it was that man Gagai who extended their advantage. The winger was on hand to touch down after some fluid passing between Cooper Cronk and Greg Inglis, but once again it was a mistake from the visitors that handed their opponents cheap possession in a dangerous area.
Nevertheless, as we can see, Gagai did magnificently to gather the ball:
Thurston slotted another brilliant conversion to make it 16-4, but any suggestions this game was done were quickly dispelled with a great response from the Blues, as Frizell ran a devastating line to tumble over under the posts.
Reynolds added the extra points, and, suddenly, with the score at 16-10, New South Wales were within touching distance again.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Tyson Frizell of the Blues scores a try during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt R
Gagai continued to be a thorn in the side of the New South Wales defence, though, and in the 63rd minute he rounded off his hat-trick. This time it was Thurston playing the role of creator, as he threaded a brilliant kick through the amassed blue line, and after a review from the video referee, it was deemed the winger had got the ball down.
Per the Fox Sports Lab, at 20-10 things were looking good for Queensland:
QLD has only lost twice in 35 #origin games when scoring 20 points or more
The Blues continued to battle, though, and following a flawless day, Gagai's poor ball gave Maloney a long run to the try line. After a substantial chase, he just managed to get there just in time, with Reynolds' conversion making this one a four-point game.
Yet as they'd done throughout the match, the Maroons were able to find an extra gear when things got close. With nervous tension bristling in the Brisbane crowd a slick interchange between Thurston and Darius Boyd was finished off by Oates, effectively ending New South Wales' chances.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Corey Oates of the Maroons scores try during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Mark K
It’s nine Origin wins in 10 years now for Queensland, who once again showed they have the edge in this longstanding rivalry. Getting the result here was impressive, but winning in Sydney in such a tight contest was evidently a huge boost to Kevin Walters and his players. They look primed to complete the whitewash in Melbourne on July 13.
For New South Wales it’s a familiar tale of coming up short. There was little between the two teams at the ANZ Stadium, nor in the opening exchanges of this one. But the match adhered to a recent theme in Origin tussles: The Blues make silly mistakes and the Maroons are so often on hand to punish them.
Post-Match Reaction
Blues skipper Gallen, playing in his last ever Origin series, lamented missed opportunities in the aftermath:
Hat-trick hero Gagai spoke about his treble afterwards, insisting he was grateful to be involved in the occasion. ""I don't think I've even scored a hat-trick in club footy, but to be part of such a quality team, they make my job so much easier, and I'm just so grateful to be part of such an elite team," said the 25-year-old, per Dan Colasimone of ABC.
State of Origin 2016: Date, Start Time and Live Stream for Maroons vs. Blues
Jun 21, 2016
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: The Queensland Maroons line up for the national anthem during game one of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 1, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
New South Wales Blues face a must-win match at the Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, as they travel to Brisbane to take on the Queensland Maroons in the second leg of State of Origin 2016.
The Maroons have a 1-0 lead coming into this one after winning an attritional opening match of the series 6-4. The first tussle tends to be a tight one, but both teams cancelled each other out in a scoreless second period, one that included a Robbie Farah try controversially ruled out for New South Wales.
It means the Blues must win in Queensland to keep their chances of a second overall victory in three years alive; the Maroons have come out on top in nine of the previous 10 State of Origin series and will be confident of completing the job at the Suncorp. Here are the key viewing details for this one and closer look at how the second match is set to pan out.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Blues fans show their support during game one of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 1, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
After ending seven years of Queensland dominance in 2014, New South Wales supporters would have hoped the mental barriers hindering the team had finally been conquered. But last year was an all-too similar story for those of a light blue persuasion, as was the first game of this series.
The ANZ Stadium crowd weren’t treated to the most aesthetic tussle when these two met earlier this month, although many of those in blue thought they’d snatched the win when Farah tumbled over in the second period. However, the official ruled out the score and, perhaps, consigned the Blues to another series loss in the process.
That’s because Queensland have proved to be a force of nature on home soil. Indeed, they’ve won eight out of the last 10 matches between the two at Suncorp and many of the visitors will still be nursing the wounds from the 52-6 win in the third match last year. Here’s a look back at what was a memorable day for the Maroons:
One thing Game 1 did suggest is that the gap is a little narrower than it was in the final game of the 2015 edition.
For long spells Laurie Daley’s men were able to contain the illustrious attacking options available to his opposite number. But their attacking play left much to be desired in the opener; that’s something the Blues boss knows his team must improve.
“It [Origin coach] is not a pressure job, it's a job that I love, I enjoy,” he said of the challenge ahead, per ABC. “We're comfortable that if we get enough points we can defend. We were criticised I suppose for our attack, but we scored the same amount of tries as Queensland, and they're a great side.”
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Coach Laurie Daley enters the field of play during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session at Suncorp Stadium on June 21, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Still, the Maroons will feel as though they can perform better with ball in hand. Of their key attackers in the first game it was only the kicking of Johnathan Thurston that was really up to scratch, with the five-eighth helping relieve pressure when the Blues had them pinned back.
As noted by Chris Garry of the Courier-Mail Sport, Queensland have been giving their rivals a subtle reminder of what’ll be in store for them in the build-up:
The Maroons be without the injured Nate Myles for this one, although Jacob Lillyman is a fine replacement at prop. For Corey Parker it could also be an emotional day; the lock will want to round off what will be his final State of Origin series before retirement with a victory.
New South Wales have nothing to lose in this one and that makes them a dangerous prospect. Plus, we’ve seen so many times in this series that no team can take too much for granted. But Queensland will be buoyed by their gritty win in Sydney, and in front of a crowd that expects victories, they will turn on the style to clinch the series.
Prediction: Queensland 30-10 New South Wales
State of Origin 2016: Game 1 Score and Recap for Blues vs. Maroons
Jun 1, 2016
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Justin O'Neill of the Maroons is tackled during game one of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 1, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Queensland took the upper hand in the 2016 State of Origin Series on Wednesday after a sole try from Dane Gagai guided the Maroons to a 6-4 victory in Game 1 of this year's contest at ANZ Stadium.
Boyd Cordnerclinched the first try of the match after Johnathan Thurston had kicked the Maroons into an early lead, but a reply from Gagai just before the interval was enough to earn the win in an agonisingly close affair.
Victory in the opener puts Queensland in the ascendancy for the rest of the series and means they're well on their way to claiming back-to-back series triumphs following the Blues' win of 2014.
Australian rugby journalist Beth Newman voiced her opinion that New South Wales were the better team despite the defeat following a scoreless last 40 minutes in Sydney:
NSW the better side but Queensland manage to hang on. That's #Origin footy.
It was reported in the build-up to Wednesday's clash that New South Wales' game plan had been leaked to the opposition, per the Sydney Morning Herald.
If those reports were indeed genuine, it certainly didn't show at the beginning of the clash, but it was the referees who also had a big influence in the early exchanges of what was a stop-start affair.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Boyd Cordner of the Blues celebrates scoring a try during game one of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 1, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cam
Thurston's 15th-minute penalty drove Queensland into the first points of the match, but it was only 10 minutes later that a Cordner run from close range resulted in the first try of the clash.
James Maloney's dummy run into enemy territory did a fine job of raking the Maroons defence inside, creating the space needed for Sydney Roosters star Cordner to make the impact, per Tabcomau Media:
Adam Reynolds couldn't add the conversion from out wide, and it proved to be a big miss as Dane Gagai responded for the Maroons with a try of his own just before the half-time hooter.
Darius Boyd helped in weaving the ball over to the right flank, and the ANZ Stadium erupted as Gagai floated over for what ended up looking like a simple score, as shown by the National Rugby League Twitter account:
A two-point lead to Queensland's name at the break ensured coach Kevin Walters had the simpler team talk, with the Maroons hoping to use their first period as a building block for the test to come.
Thurston picked up on his side's defence as a particular point of focus in the opening 40 minutes:
Both teams made a rapid start after play resumed, and just as the opening period took its time in building, the tensions were high amid a scoreless first 25 minutes in the second half.
The Blues also suffered a big knock when Michael Morgan was forced off with concussion after 50 minutes, which may put the rest of his series in some doubt, per Fox Sports:
MORGAN OUT: Queensland utility Michael Morgan ruled out for remainder of game with concussion #Origin
State of Origin veteran Paul Gallen was predictably among the front-line chargers for the Blues, who could hold out a lot of hope for what their opening try would yield based on recent series results, per OptaJason:
5 - The last five State of Origin games have been won by the side that scored the first try. Opener.
The Blues almost reclaimed the lead when a Josh Morris effort resulted in the referee going upstairs for a review, but his effort was found to have been pulled up short of the line with a little over 10 minutes remaining.
A couple of questionable kicks from Reynolds were contrasted by the string-pulling Thurston, who turned NSW full-back Matt Moylan around expertly and gave Queensland their chances to surge up the field.
In the end, the Maroons didn't need another try to seal their victory, and they'll make their way to Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on June 22 hoping to put the finishing touches on another series win.
Thurston played a key hand in leading the team to victory at ANZ Stadium, and his kicking magic is bound to be another major factor in Game 2, where the tamed Blues are under immense pressure to improve their attack.
