BOOM, there it is, the first hit-up of the series; did you feel it? The earth shattering hit as Blue crashes into Maroon. It's State versus State and Mate versus Mate. 100 games of the most passionate rivalry in world sport.
Everything is on the line on Wednesday. Self-preservation is left at the door. For 80 minutes, 34 players commit themselves to the task at hand.
For the Maroons, they're at home. 50,000 parochial Queenslanders packed into the old Lang Park, all repeating the Billy Moore chant: "Queenslander! Queenslander!"
For the Blues, they're the underdogs. Away from home and with the expectations of their State on their shoulders. Can they break the drought?
Queensland, well everyone knows what they're about. A side full of talent, proven at the highest levels. They ooze class and toughness. They've been there and done that.
Their halves are one of the best pairings in the modern game. Cronk and Thurston with terrific kicking, passing and running games. The backline of Slater, Boyd, Inglis, Hodges and Tate are experienced and know their games inside-out.
Cronk, Thurston and Smith will control the tempo, with a small forward pack they'll look to keep the Blues off balance, force repeat sets and wear down the Blue wall play by play. When in need of a big play, they'll look to Thurston, his ability to create something from nothing is near Andrew Johns like.
New South Wales, well they have some debutants mixed with old heads. They're hungry for success.
Hodkinson and Reynolds have led their club side to the summit of the NRL ladder this season. Jarryd Hayne is in career best form and Robbie Farah has constantly been one of the Blues' best.
Reynolds has a great short kicking game and he'll need to be on his game to build pressure on the Maroons. The Blues have a large forward pack, and they'll want to get into the grind, preventing Queensland from using their outside backs.
Should NSW gain dominance in the middle, their backline of Hayne, Tupou, Jennings, Morris and Morris are more than capable of taking advantage of any space given to them.
The forwards will be led by Paul Gallen. Revered South of the border, hated north of the border, he embodies the meaning of Origin. Tough, relentless and a never say due attitude.
For the 100th time, Blue will square off against Maroon. Legends will be born, history will be made.
On the night it will come down to one simple factor: who wants it more? The side who hesitates in answering that question will be the loser.
BRING IT ON!!!! GO THE BLUES
See more: http://www.blueblaze.com.au/2014/05/27/4039/state-of-origin-preview
Replies
I'm streaming the game, and I feel a bit like I'm watching the Queensland version. Did the NSW players get an epic intro a bit earlier?
Refs are taking no shit off Cam Smith. I like it.