Have your say: who wins Origin I tonight?
Teams go set-for-set after early error
Both NSW and Queensland have settled into the contest following that early error from Barnett.
They’re going set-for-set now, but both teams will be hoping to draw an error from their opponent with the rain continuing to fall.
Both Brian To’o and James Tedesco are making good metres for the Blues, while Selwyn Cobbo has just taken a beautiful high ball despite pressure from Kotoni Staggs.
NSW 0, Queensland 0 after seven minutes
Blues goal line defence tested early on
Well, they were tested, but NSW have withstood the early attack from Queensland.
That’s good goal line defence from the Blues, especially when Kalyn Ponga looked a chance to slip through on the left edge.
NSW 0, Queensland 0 after three minutes
Barnett makes error in Blues first set
Early trouble for NSW, who fail to get through their first set of the match after Mitch Barnett loses the ball.
It’s a slippery night, but that’s a bad start for the Blues.
The Maroons will begin a fresh set inside Blues territory – early alarm bells for Laurie Daley.
NSW 0, Queensland 0 after two minutes
Kick-off at Accor Stadium
It’s Origin time.
Cameron Munster leads the Maroons out to a chorus of boos, while Isaah Yeo walks his Blues team out to a roar from the crowd.
Plenty of Maroons jersey’s in the crowd, but it’s a NSW game tonight.
James Tedesco gets things under way with the kick-off and Munster takes the first carry for his team.
NSW 0, Queensland 0 with 80 minutes to go
Reader Q&A: Who is advising the Blues?
Question: Is Ivan Cleary back as an adviser to the Blues? If no, who is it? – John. M
No he’s not. Ivan Cleary did have a role with Brad Fittler when he was Blues coach, sitting in the coach’s box on game day during the 2023 series. Last year, Craig Bellamy was Laurie Daley’s senior coaching advisor, but he decided earlier this year not to take up the post again. As a result there is no one in an official consulting capacity for NSW series and Daley is pressing on with his coaching staff, which includes the likes of Matt King, Brett White and Boyd Cordner, who work day-to-day for NRL clubs.
Have your say: who will score first tonight?
For your reference, the first try scorers for the three games last year were: Zac Lomax, Brian To’o and Xavier Coates.
‘In the team for a reason’: Slater has full faith in debutant Walker
Now it’s time for Maroons coach Billy Slater to have his say. Talking on debutant Sam Walker, Slater said he backed him to play his game.
Reader Q&A: How much will the NSW team change between games?
Question: This NSW team doesn’t look as strong as the 2024 or 2025 teams. Is there a way to improve this team if NSW lose game one? – James
Yes. Injured stars Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell and Mitchell Moses should all hopefully be available for selection for game II. The quartet would have been automatic starters for the Blues if they weren’t in the casualty ward. Performances in game I will also dictate what the team looks like for game II. For instance, if Ethan Strange stars in a winning team, it could result in him retaining the five-eighth spot for the rest of the series. Jackson Ford, meanwhile, can count himself unlucky not to be picked and could force his way into the team. It will all come down to performances tonight and in coming weeks.
‘Things can change pretty quickly’: Daley’s interchange plan
Blues coach Laurie Daley has spoken as we near kick-off at Accor Stadium. Asked about his plan for the interchange bench – including Blues firecracker Victor Radley – here’s what he had to say:
Reader Q&A: Should Laurie Daley get the boot?
Question: Why is Laurie Daley NSW coach again? – Antony
Signed a two-year deal in December 2024, so probably only fair to give him a crack in 2025 and 2026. Has one series victory (2014) from six attempts for an overall win record of 39 per cent. It’s fair to say Daley is already under the pump, but a loss in Sydney tonight would only apply the blowtorch even further. What’s interesting is that even if the NSWRL wanted to move on from Daley, Ivan Cleary is the likely next man up but is still coaching Penrith next year. I’ve tipped the Blues to win the series though, so Daley might be fine.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
