2021 State of Origin Game I – Queensland vs New South Wales Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Thursday 12th June, 2021 – 11:10 (UK)
Where is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Where can I get tickets for Queensland vs New South Wales? Click here for the latest ticket information on the State of Origin series
What channel is Queensland vs New South Wales on? Sky Sports
Where can I stream Queensland vs New South Wales? Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
QUEENSLAND
Starting 13: Holmes, Coates, Capewell, Gagai, Feldt, Munster, Cherry-Evans, Welch, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Kaufusi, Fifita, Arrow – Interchanges: Brimson, Su’A, Fotuaika, Ofahengaue – Reserves: Hess, Hunt
NEW SOUTH WALES
Starting 13: Tedesco, To’o, Mitchell, T. Trbojevic, Addo-Carr, Luai, Cleary, D. Saifiti, Cook, J. Trbojevic, Murray, Sims, Yeo – Interchanges: Wighton, Paulo, Haas, Martin – Reserves: Koroisau, Graham
THE PREDICTION
Queensland will feel they have been handed a boost with this fixture
moving from Melbourne to Townsville, but it is not enough for them to
start as favourites for this opening game of the 2021 State of Origin
series. Their upset win over New South Wales last year will leave the
Blues gunning for revenge and they are expected to achieve just that
over the three-game series. They will need to be at their best in this
opening clash, especially as their record in Queensland is poor.
However, with the hosts lacking some quality in their three-quarter
line, they will be heavily reliant on their pack to get the better of
their opposite numbers here if they are to get off the mark on home
soil. The battle of the respective halfback pairings also looks
extremely intriguing but with Penrith Panthers duo Jarome Luai and
Nathan Cleary enjoying a superb season for their club, they can combine
here to lead the Blues to victory in this contest.
