When is nrl state of origin 2018

Fittler's new approach to blooding a new generation in Game One will either prove a masterstroke or place too much pressure on a host of rookies. According to NRL. But winning the first game of the series historically plays an advantage, with 27 Origin I victories leading to series wins in 36 years.

Key match-up: It shapes as a mouth-watering battle on both edges but Greg Inglis v James Roberts will be crucial. With Inglis handed the captaincy duties, you get the feeling he's in for a big series. We've all seen Inglis at his best, and after missing Origin last year with a knee injury, the fire is sure to be burning bright. For the Maroons to win: They need to stick to what their culture thrives on regardless of the fact they've lost games of Origin experience — that never-say-die attitude.

Their backline is their strongest weapon, but it won't be influential if the forwards can't match it with the Blues. They improved rapidly last year up front which contributed to their series win. As difficult as it may be given the loss of three key men, they'll need to build their own style of play and put the state's successful past behind them.

For the Blues to win: They can't afford stage fright on the big stage. Fittler has picked a speed-driven side in all areas. But with only 11 days of preparation, there could be issues in defence. With an abundance of fresh faces, there is no questioning the Blues need to gel quickly as a unit or risk being exposed. NSW's kicking game in previous series have left a lot to be desired. As halves, game management is the key for James Maloney and Nathan Cleary. Maroons stat attack: Queensland have lost games experience, without even including the omissions of Darius Boyd and Matt Scott.

Not since have the Maroons been without both Thurston and Cronk at the same time. Statistically, time will tell how the side responds, but put simply the losses of two Immortals in the waiting and an influential halfback is the biggest talking point. Blues stat attack: Despite Slater's dominating career in the Origin arena, his counterparts for the Blues have on almost every occasion run for more metres than the veteran No.

In the last decade, the Blues custodians — more recently James Tedesco — have averaged an extra 36 running metres at m per game compared to the Maroons great's m. Tedesco has not been at his best in since joining the Roosters but at Origin level the former Wests Tiger has proven his worth to average 9.

And another thing: Goal-kicking looms as a big point of difference for the Blues. Things are more concerning for the Maroons though with Valentine Holmes Steve Turner's preview: It's a new era for State of Origin. Thurston, Smith and Cronk have gone and on Monday afternoon, Billy Slater was ruled out with a hamstring injury. What an ending to the game! What an incredible play, and possibly one that secures a Maroons victory. And they get another six! Boos ring out. Thrilling stuff!

His marauds up the middle, as he does, and then Roberts, with a bloody bandage now hanging off his head, has a run. That first half effort is definitely hampering them now. Maloney spills and the Maroons get the ball back. NSW are struggling here.

But he loses the ball on impact with the blue jersey. A couple of silly errors inside a minute. This could be about to get worse for the Blues. Their first-half efforts, plus the concession of two tries in the space of seven minutes appear to be taking their toll.

He loves that moment, and rightly so! Nothing doing this time, but NSW hit back and they have a great chance to break but Crichton hangs onto the ball a touch too long, and throws it behind Roberts, who would have been away. Hugely in the balance, and the next 10 minutes could prove crucial. Pretty funny stuff, but also a bit silly from the NSW big man. That could be a worry for NSW. Those two late tries before half-time probably helped a bit too.

His firs touch is a grubber kick and the Blues regain possession. What can Queensland do here? Paul Gallen and Johnathan Thurston both agree: that was the best defensive effort they have ever seen.

What a half of rugby league. NSW, by rights, should be dead and buried, but as it is they take a four-point lead into the sheds with them.

The sign of a great team? NSW lead! How did this happen? Cook plays the ball quickly and dishes to Tedesco who gleefully crosses amid a non-existent Queensland defence. Amazing stuff at Suncorp. Updated at Cleary adds the extras and NSW are right back in this one now.

What a turnaround! He appears to impede Slater as the Queensland captain attempts to get on a kick through into the in-goal that strikes the post. Holmes will kick for goal to get some points on the board.