Queensland’s 3-0 series win over NSW in 2010 is the only sweep since 2000 and this year’s series is again too close to call
concept for a century before the big boppers in the north caught on. Since the VFL/AFL abandoned their interstate carnivals in 1993 and ceased all state-based clashes in 1999, rugby league’s State of Origin has become “Australian sport’s greatest rivalry” – the purest expression of mate v mate and state v state. It started as an experiment – Australia’s then-captain Bob Fulton predicted “the non-event of the century” – but 43 years on Origin has become the very essence of rugby league.
Mitchell’s absence is a massive blow to the Blues and fans on both sides; in 2021, the “Trell and Turbo show” led to 50-6 and 26-0 victories for NSW. However, the naming of Stephen Crichton as Mitchell’s replacement and Matt Burton’s recall as 18th man further strengthens NSW’s Panthers-heavy spine of halves Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai and their premiership-winning hooker Apisai Koroisau.
Queensland know what is coming. The last time these sides met, in the crazy decider at Suncorp Stadium in 2022, three players were concussed in the first three minutes. Billy Slater’s squad is missing warhorse Josh Papali’i but Tom Gilbert, David Fifita and Patrick Carrigan will run out. If they can match the Blues barrage upfront in the early exchanges, hookers Ben Hunt and Harry Grant will counter with guile and unleash their own flyers Selwyn Cobbo, Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
When the Queensland dynasty of 10 wins from 11 series ended it seemed certain Brad Fittler’s young lions would forge a blue streak of their own. But since 2017, it’s three series apiece. Fittler’s reign started with consecutive wins in 2018-19, the Blues’ first since 2004-05, but Wayne Bennett’s Maroons sprang an upset in 2020 as Billy Slater’s team did in 2022. This series is as evenly poised as any in this generation, with Queensland’s 2010 series the only 3-0 sweep since 2000.
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