The State Of Origin Series is the pinnacle of the sport in Australia and the first game this year is being played at a neutral venue in Melbourne. A capacity crowd will be there and Queensland are trying to win the series for the fourth successive year, which would be a record.
New South Wales have eight players on Origin debut and have gone for speed, youth and enthusiasm but Queensland's team is made up of the entire Australian back-line plus the front-row.
They have the best full-back, stand-off, scrum-half and hooker in the world in their ranks so this is a very big task for the Blues.
Their enthusiasm will take them a long way but the continuity of selection is a big plus for the Maroons. They have great understanding in their ranks and will prove too strong for their opponents. With the right attitude Queensland will win - and go on to win the series in the decider at Brisbane.
I expect them to be stronger late in the game and with better cohesion, they can cover the start of four points.
These are traditionally low-scoring affairs but Queensland have the firepower to settle it.
I like the look of Israel Folau in the first try-scorer market. He can beat opponents with his speed and power and with the likes of Jonathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer providing the ammunition, that will be some threat to the Blues.
For New South Wales, Jarryd Hayne makes plenty of appeal to score any time at 6/4. He is an outstanding winger and one with speed to burn. He scored some fabulous tries in Origin two-years ago and is in scintillating form for his club right now.
Preview posted at 1740BST on 01/06/2009.
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