Tonight’s opening State of Origin match will be a vital one for the NSW Blues, given its the only time they will play in-front of their home-crowd.
The Blues have not had a home-game since 2020, and will only get one match again this year, with Perth hosting game two, and Brisbane to host game three.
Former New South Wales coach Phil Gould says in the eight years that he has coached, it was always paramount to win the first game.
The Blues have named a formidable team including James Tedesco, Brian To’o, Daniel Tupou, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary and Tariq Sims.
The Queensland Maroons will have the services of Kalyn Ponga, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt, Josh Papalii, Xavier Coates and Cameron Munster.
Game 1 begins at 10 tonight.
