After years of domination on the State of Origin field could the Queensland dominance finally be coming to an end as the Maroons prepare to take to the field without the likes of Cooper Smith, Johnathon Thurston and Cooper Cronk.
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In this week’s edition of ‘At The Bar’ Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton and The Area News’ sports journalist Liam Warren sit down to discuss game one coming up later tonight as well as the fight between Jeff Horn and Terrance Crawford.
Liam: Well State of Origin is almost upon us for another year mate.
Speedy: If NSW, taking everything into consideration, what have they won, 11 of the last 12 and looking at the teams and the fellas who have retired like Cameron Smith, Johnathon Thurston and Cooper Cronk and the big prop in Mark Scott is out he is injured.
Liam: And you can add Billy Slater to that list. He had to pull out with a hamstring issue on Monday as well.
Speedy: That is going to leave a huge hole. I mean you can bring up the kids, and I know they have, and NSW has also gone for youth dropped all those other blokes who have had their day. They will improve, and they are as keen as mustard if they can’t beat Queensland tonight that is it for State of Origin. But they will never give it away because there is too much money it.
Liam: With Slater’s late withdrawal who do you think they will bring in?
Speedy: There is a young bloke from Newcastle who is going to be something special.
Liam: I thinking they might drop Darius Boyd back there. He would have played in the centres, but they might as well drop him back into his more familiar position.
Speedy: Meanwhile NSW have young guns in Latrell Mitchell and the brothers from Manly and just getting away from State of Origin for a minute Manly aren't much without the brothers. There is still a bit of it, but I will get for NSW tonight by between six and 10 points.
Liam: Then on Sunday morning we have the fight between Terrance Crawford and Jeff Horn
Speedy: You know what has surprised me about this fight. I really though Horn with the belt would have had a couple of other fights on the way meeting this bloke, he is class. He can knock you out with either hand and is quick.
Liam: How can Horn win this Speed.
Speedy: In my opinion, the only way he is going beat this bloke is to get on top of him from round one. Just camp on his chest and stay there. Don’t give him any room for his swift movement and power. If he can do that for four or five rounds, the openings will come, and Horn can take advantage.
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