2020 State of Origin Game 1 – Queensland vs New South Wales Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Wednesday 4th November, 2020 – 09:10 (UK)
Where is Queensland vs New South Wales taking place? Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
What channel is Queensland vs New South Wales on? Sky Sports Arena
Where can I stream Queensland vs New South Wales? Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Queensland vs New South Wales? Click here for the latest ticket information on the State of Origin series
THE TEAM NEWS
QUEENSLAND
Starting 13: Brimson, Coates, Lee, Gagai, Sami, Munster, Cherry-Evans, Welch, Friend, Papalii, Kaufusi, Hess, Fa’asuamaleaui – Interchanges: Hunt, Collins, Arrow, Su’A – Reserves: Capewell, Hunt
Unavailable: Valentine Holmes (Suspended), Corey Allan (Suspended)
- Queensland will be desperate to avoid a third straight series defeat as they look to earn their first success since 2017 but they are overwhelming underdogs owing to the apparent weaknesses in their squad.
- The likes of David Fifita and Kalyn Ponga have been ruled out of the series because of injury for new head coach Wayne Bennett who will take the reins along with Mal Meninga following Kevin Walters’ departure for Brisbane Broncos just over a month ago.
- Bennett will hand debuts to no less than eight players in a new-look side with AJ Brimson, Xavier Coates, Brenko Lee, Phillip Sami, Jake Friend, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Lindsay Collins and Jaydn Su’A the fresh faces in the 17.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, Gutherson, Wighton, Addo-Carr, Keary, Cleary, Saifiti, Cook, Paulo, Cordner, Frizell, Trbojevic – Interchanges: Walker, Haas, Murray, Crichton – Reserves: Brown, Lomax
Unavailable: Ryan Papenhuyzen (Injured), Dale Finucane (Injured)
- New South Wales retained their State of Origin crown in 2019 as they earned one of the most dramatic victories in Origin history as James Tedesco’s try in the final minute of the game edged the series for the Blues.
- Head coach Brad Fittler has made a huge impact since taking over in 2018 with his side winning four of the six games he has taken charge of but more importantly, the Blues have won the series on both occasions of his tenure so far.
- After earning the Clive Churchill medal in the NRL Grand Final, Ryan Papenhuyzen will be unable to make his Origin debut because of a calf injury which sees Cody Walker take the utility spot on the bench for the Blues.
THE PREDICTION
New South Wales come into this 2020 State of Origin series looking for a third consecutive title after edging Queensland in the most dramatic of circumstances last year. In a new slot at the end of the season, all eyes will be on how the players cope at the conclusion of a draining year, especially with the new rules that will be adopted in Origin for the first time. In what is always an exhilarating contest played at breakneck speed and extreme intensity, the Maroons will be hoping Wayne Bennett’s influence back in charge can help the underdogs cause an upset in Game 1. However, the Blues look worthy favourites and their mobile side can get off to a winning start to make it five victories in seven matches in charge for Brad Fittler with the margin likely to be at least four points.
