The New South Wales Blues will be looking to start the first game of the State of Origin on a winning note as they play in front of their home crowd in Sydney, and hope to break their losing streak against the Queensland Maroons.
After successive series losses in 2022 and 2023, the Blues are hoping the home advantage will boost the morale of the players.
Billy Slater’s Maroons hold the Shield and will be looking to make it three series wins in a row in 2024.
New South Wales coach Michael Maguire has ushered in a new era for the Blues with his selection, initially naming six debutantes.
Maguire has made no secret about the character he wants his side to possess, with hard work and physicality a defining quality of many of the new faces in New South Wales’ squad.
The state’s back five are physically imposing and tireless, particularly coming out of their end.
Meanwhile, New South Wales’ four-forward bench is as powerful as they are skillful.
With both sides possessing new-look halves combinations, points will likely be at a premium, as is always the case in game one.
The Blues will take on the Maroons at 10.05pm tonight. Game two of the State of Origin will be June 26th at 10.05pm in Melbourne and the third game will be on July 17th at 10.05pm at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
