STATE OF ORIGIN, GAME 1, ADELAIDE OVAL, ADELAIDE. May 31st, 2023
The countdown begins for the highly anticipated State of Origin Game 1 clash between Queensland and NSW at Adelaide Oval. As the rugby league’s pinnacle event approaches, the squads have been announced, revealing a thrilling lineup and setting the stage for an intense battle between the two powerhouses.
Queensland’s head coach Billy Slater has made some bold choices in his squad selection. Axing Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai, Slater has opted for a new look team that aims to bring fresh energy to the Maroons. Exciting young talent Reece Walsh will earn his Origin debut at fullback, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns to make an impact in the centres. “The Hammer” will start on the left edge, with the experienced Val Holmes switching over to the right edge, ready to face off against NSW’s formidable Stephen Crichton.
In the forward pack, Jeremiah Nanai’s suspension will keep him out of the series opener, while Felise Kaufusi has also been ruled out. However, the inclusion of David Fifita and Tom Gilbert in the second-row adds strength and firepower to the Maroons. Jai Arrow will provide impact from the bench, joining Reuben Cotter and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in the interchange.
Addressing rumors, it has been confirmed that Ben Hunt will don the No.9 jersey for Queensland, with Harry Grant injecting his dynamic skills into the game from the bench. This strategic move aims to maximize the Maroons’ attacking options and keep the NSW Blues on their toes.
On the other side of the rivalry, NSW’s head coach Brad Fittler has named a powerful lineup aiming for redemption after last year’s narrow defeat. Led by the talented James Tedesco as captain, the Blues boast a formidable backline featuring Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, and the returning Tom Trbojevic. Trbojevic, who missed the previous campaign, has overcome concerns over a groin injury and showcased his form in the recent clash against Canberra.
The battle in the halves will be intense, with Jarome Luai winning the race for the No.6 jersey, forming a potent combination with Nathan Cleary. Api Koroisau’s impressive performance has earned him the starting hooker position, narrowly edging out Damien Cook. The bench also includes dynamic players like Cameron Murray and Liam Martin, providing depth and impact.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, where pride and passion will collide on the field. State of Origin Game 1 promises to deliver adrenaline-pumping action, showcasing the best of rugby league talent from Queensland and NSW. Fans eagerly await the clash at Adelaide Oval, where history will be made and rivalries reignited.
Make sure to mark your calendars and witness the epic showdown as Queensland and NSW battle it out for supremacy in the State of Origin arena. This is an unmissable event that will captivate rugby league enthusiasts across the globe.
Blues: 1. James Tedesco (C), 2. Brian To’o, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Tom Trbojevic, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Tevita Pangai Jr, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo | 14. Junior Paulo, 15. Cameron Murray, 16. Liam Martin, 17. Nico Hynes | 18. Matt Burton
Maroons: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C), 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. David Fifita, 12. Tom Gilbert, 13. Patrick Carrigan | 14. Harry Grant, 15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Jai Arrow | 18. Tom Dearden
Ashley Klein is the referee after officiating all three games in last year’s series.
The two touch judges are Drew Oultram and Phil Henderson, the standby referee is Gerard Sutton and the standby touch judge is Liam Kennedy.
The video review official is Grant Atkins.
At time of writing there is rain predicted for Adelaide so that will change the game if that happens. The greasy ball can do strange things at times.
PREDICTION.
Take your pick here folks because either side can win this. It will be a fantastic match and go down to the wire. Discipline will be important and the players can not give away easy metres, or end up in the sin bin for stupid stuff. The first game is so important to win as the next game is in Brisbane, and a win will set the series up nicely.
The bookies will have the Blues as favorites, but as a Queenslander I am going to back the Maroons by 2.5 points.
Read this too
Comments