One of the biggest sporting events is here, and our feature sporting seer Tipstradamus offers up his quickfire State of Origin predictions.
Our great annual tipster Tipstradamus is usually kept in a cryogenic chamber throughout the year, let out once a year to provide his best 50/10/200 selections for the sporting year ahead.
But if we can’t wake him up for some State of Origin predictions, then when can we.
So here for the reading pleasure of the 14 or so who stumble across the website every few days is our State of Origin predictions from Tipstradamus.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Kalyn Ponga has been in sensational form since he returned to fullback for the Knights, and after his showing in last year’s Origin series, where he essentially played as a lock, he is more than ready to take Sate of Origin by the scruff of the neck.
FIRST TRY SCORER
The tip is for Corey Oates, as he tends to have a knack of doing so.
Some might say, oh that’s easy pick the favourite.
Thanks.
SURPRISING PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
David Fifita is the Queenslander we pick to catch the eye for the State of Origin predictions. His form has been a little hot and cold for the Broncos, but he shows sings of being able to tear a game apart in short bursts. And that is exactly what Queensland will need from him off the bench.
For NSW it is Cameron Murray. Those who watch Rabbitohs games won’t be surprised to a degree, but this game could be the opportunity to show the whole game that he is a superstar in waiting.
UNDERWHELMING PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
The two number 14’s loom as the potential underwhelming players.
Both are fine players, but it takes some imagination to see how big an impact they will have. If they remain as a utility bench player and don’t replace someone comepltely due to injury.
Moses M’Bye in particular seems an ambitious selection.
One could also suggest the experienced centres in Will Chambers and Josh Morris. The Queenslander seems more likely after his ordinary performance in the Grand Final last season.
THOSE MOST LIKELY TO GET BIGGEST BOOS FROM QLD CROWD
Probably Latrell Mitchell, and he probably will love it. He has that look in his eye for mischief.
Although there are probably some Queensland fans who are disappointed Matt Lodge didn’t make the NSW side, as it would give the Broncos fans among the Queenslanders a rare chance to boo him like eeryone else does.
THE MOST LIKELY TO PUNCH ON
Punching is not allowed anymore in rugby league, but like serial drink drivers, the warning of punishment doesn’t necessarily stop them.
Whilst we can’t see an all-in brawl, you could see a couple shaping up and giving each other those collar punches which skirt the rules so cleverly.
But you can easily see Latrell Mitchell getting involved, and more than likely with Will Chambers.
BEST POSITION BATTLE
Forward smashing each other is usually quite fun, and will no doubt be again this series.
However, given that Kalyn Ponga has been chosen as Man of the Match, and with the quality of James Tedesco in general, the battle of the number ones will be the game’s showpiece.
Not forgetting the recent Knights-Roosters games where Ponga was great and Tedesco even better in a losing side.
Queenslanders will be hoping to use the exact phrase again after Wednesday night.
BEST STORY
Cody Walker.
Not for the first time we say that Cody Walker is a great rugby league story, and this is only enhanced with his selection for NSW.
Having spent so many years as a second tier players, overlooked by many clubs with not enough foresight, it must be very satisfying that within a handful of seasons he is playing in rugby league’s biggest game. Before his change of fortune, his best chance at a big game at Suncorp would an Intrust Super Cup final in the front of 10,000 or so.
Sure he’ll have 50,000 odd booing him instead tonight, but you’d think he’ll take that.
So it is a great rugby league story, and inspiration for those many weekend warriors and young kids who can’t quite make the grade at 18-19 and despair that their chance may have passed. Cody Walker proves that it is worth fighting and waiting for.
OVERBLOWN STORY ON NEWS THE NEXT DAY
Cody Walker’s protest against the national anthem if it happens. It will probably get 50-50 coverage of the actual game.
THE ONE DEAD CERTAINTY
That very few will enjoy Channel Nein’s coverage. We have a guide on surviving your first night with Channel Nein for the season.
THE FINAL SCORE
Queensland 22 NSW 18
