NRL - State of Origin Preview

Every sport played at the highest level is worth watching. The State of Origin is certainly the pinnacle of rugby league. As a boy I was distraught when the Maroons kept giving the highly talented but hopelessly passionless Blues hiding after hiding. Every year this is one of my favourite sporting events and anyone who wants to see the toughest sporting gladiators run around should tune in.

The Queensland side has certainly been on top in the last few years. Jonathan Thurston is a true champion and he will be hard to stop. The absence of Darren Lockyer is a big blow for the Maroons but their backline still looks very hard to stop. They have huge and fast outside backs that are used to playing consistent winning football. Gasnier and Cooper, for the Blues, represent experience in the backs and they will need to show class and composure as they try to ignite their team mates.

The Queensland forwards always appear to be undermanned but always somehow manage to compete and at times dominate. The Blues will have to find a way to dominate early and put their opponents on the back foot. Its pretty simple stuff - dominate in the forwards and make it impossible for the other side to hurt you out wide. Willie Mason is the sought of player that needs to take control of the game. The Blues need to find the passion to win this game, not expect to go through the paces and pray the Maroons have an off night.

Sportsbet.com.au has an extensive market on the game. On the line I think you have to take the Blues with the +3.5 at $1.92. This might be my bias coming through, but surely the Blues at home will find something. There is a huge array of different bets which sportsbet are famous for. 'First try scorer' is always one of the favourite ways to go for the social punter and can turn a little into a lot. Someone like Mark Gasnier at $14 appears to be excellent value.

Enjoy the game and "Watch out Queensland the Blues are on their way!"

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