Kick-off in the State of Origin series opener has nearly arrived, and every rugby league fan has his or her thoughts about how the match will play out. The Area News sports editor Andrew Piva and Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton are no different and give their match predictions in this week’s At The Bar.
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Andrew: Time to pick the winner of game one, Speedy. It won’t surprise you that I’m going to go with the Maroons. Let’s say 62-0. I’ll keep it conservative.
Speedy: You’re kidding, aren’t you? If Queensland win 62-0, I’ll walk down Banna Avenue on Saturday morning in nothing but a jockstrap. I’ll also do a collection for my favourite charity while I’m at it.
Andrew: The Michael Stratton Drinking Fund?
Speedy: You go it.
Andrew: The prospect of seeing you in nothing but a jockstrap is almost enough to make me support the Blues. But you can keep your clothes on, Speedy. I’m only stirring. Yes, I think Queensland will win, but I don’t think there’ll be any more than eight points in the contest.
Speedy: That’s a bit more like it. I agree about the margin. I think it’ll be pretty close, but I reckon the Blues will get up. It comes down to the forwards. Our boys are too big.
Andrew: I agree. Your forwards will monster us, but that won’t be the first time that’s happened. There were a few series in Queensland’s eight-year winning streak where the Maroons forwards were dominated, but we still managed to win. You know why? The Blues’ halves. Queenslanders sleep better when they see a NSW teamsheet with the name M Pearce on it.
Speedy: Look, Pearce isn’t the greatest player, but he hasn’t been going too bad.
Andrew: That’s true. But Origin is different, and Pearce has had plenty of opportunities to prove himself. So far he hasn’t made his mark.
Speedy: I know, but maybe this is the year.
Andrew: I’d give shorter odds on you giving up beer. Anyway, if the Blues are to win, who do you reckon needs to be their man of the match?
Speedy: I’ll go Aaron Woods. I like the big fella. He’d look pretty in the red and green of South Sydney. Who do you reckon is the Blues’ biggest danger?
Andrew: Jarryd Hayne.
Speedy: But he’s not playing.
Andrew: Exactly. Now you know why I’m so relaxed.
Speedy: Fair enough. What about Queensland? Who do you think is going to be man of the match for them?
Andrew: No surprises, really. Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater or Corey Parker.
Speedy: He’s a good player, Parker. I think he’s nearly as old as me, but he’s still going pretty good.
