The highlight of the rugby league calendar returns, with the game’s best ready to resume hostilities.
As is the case almost every year the Blues are expected to start favourite, but that matters little once the whistle is blown.
With doubts remaining over some key Maroons players, the experts at NRL.com have had their say on who they think will emerge victorious in the first Origin match played in Townsville.
Experts’ view – Who’ll win Origin I
Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)
On the back of last year’s series win, Queensland should get another win. NSW seem to have the form team on paper but as long as we can get our big game players on the field the spring can carry them to a win. Maroons by 10
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Brett Kimmorley (Former Test halfback)
NSW’s back five will be amazing, just as they all have been in club football so far this year. Add to that the great combinations Nathan Cleary will have with both Jarome Luai and Isaah Yeo. Blues by 4
Jamie Soward (2010 premiership winner)
They’ve got points in the backline and their forwards will match it with the Maroons pack. If Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary get the chance to show what they can do NSW will win. Blues by 8
