The players that will define State of Origin Game I

One of the fiercest rivalries in Australian sports will write a new chapter on Wednesday night as the New South Wales Blues take on the Queensland Maroons in Sydney for the opening game of the 2024 State of Origin series.

It’s a fresh-looking Blues squad as new coach Michael Maguire aims to get a NSW side that can finally live up to its potential on paper. Let’s take a look at the X-factors on both sides to see where this game will be won.

You will know every single time the Maroons fullback gets his hand on the ball as the crowd noise will go up more than a few decibels. The young gun is a genuine excitement machine and can cut through even the most intelligent defenders to change the outcome of a game… or to just add some salt into the wounds.

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The former Blues captain was unceremoniously axed prior to this series to make way for the in form Dylan Edwards, who has pulled up with a quad injury in camp. The recalled Tedesco, hard to handle at the best of times, will almost certainly be playing as though someone has lit a fire under him on Wednesday.

The ageless Queensland captain loves his role in the Origin squad and it shows. Not that his form in clubland is anything to be sniffed at, but he goes up a gear in a Maroon jumper – just remember his trysaving run down on Stephen Crichton last year for evidence of this. We expect a bit more of that this year. 

NSW have previously focused on selecting rugby leagues A-listers over grit and determination; that changes now. Cameron McInnes is exactly the type of player NSW needs to get down and dirty with the Maroons. Mark our words, his workrate will only intensify in a blue shirt.

Getting his Origin recall after a superb debut in 2022, Dearden plays with passion and wants to be here more than anything. Donning the number 6 jersey, you’ll see him at the heart of every important move up field.

Trbojevic is another passionate player who has been rewarded in Maguire's new-look Blues, this time as the brand-new skipper. Trbojevic can lift an entire squad with his sheer effort and determination to compete, so imagine how fired up he’ll be for this game – the most important of his career to date.

A genuine X-factor because we’re not sure where or how he’s going to be used. Named on the bench, Cobbo – a centre and winger by trade – could very well be popping in the forwards in this game as a utily thanks to his size. It will be interesting to see how and if his ball playing ability will come into play at all.

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Wingers are usually just finishers in the week-to-week game, but in Origin things play out a little differently. Lomax is a real wildcard at the best of times and as his recent form at St George will show, he’s got incredible vision for the game and the confidence to make something out of nothing.

Prop Reuben Cotter is just a machine.  Don't be deceived by his relatively small size for the position – nothing scares him, and he doesn’t seem to tire out. Expect big minutes, tough carrie and some serious defensive grit from this little powerhouse.

Since Penrith's halves partner Nathan Cleary has been out of action, Luai seems to have carved out his place a bit more. Playing with more confidence than ever, the boisterous 5/8 has the opportunity to finally make a name for himself in the Blues, and we think he’s finally serious about doing it.

Is there anyone you think should be in this list instead? Let us know in the comments!

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