State v State / Mate v Mate: this is what State of Origin Rugby League is all about.

Thirty four hardened warriors will battle it out in Game 1 from Etihad Stadium in Melbourne this Wednesday. NSW and Queensland will then host a home game each to see who will win the ‘best of 3’ series. The Queenslanders have won the last three series and will be looking to make it a record 4th on the trot.

This is the best Rugby League on the planet and it has often been described by many sport experts as the toughest sporting event held anywhere in the world. The Queenslanders have a formidable line up and are deserved favourites. Their backline is experienced, big and potent. Lockyer and Thurston should guide the ship and players like Folau, Inglis, Slater and Hodges will feed off the quality ball coming their way like ravenous sharks. With players like Bowen and Prince unable to make the starting line up, the Maroons still have an embarrassment of riches. Their forward pack are a little long in the tooth and this is the only place the Blues can look to exploit. With age comes experience though and Civinoceva, Price and Smith will lead the forward pack that boasts huge representative experience.

The Blues on the other hand are a young side, packed with debutants. Coach Craig Bellamy has stated for the record that the State has picked a team with a certain game plan in mind. We can now only wait and see what he comes up with. There is no doubting the Blues ability, youth and commitment but they will have to come of age rather quickly. They have some young, fit and impressive forwards with the likes of Gallon, Lewis and Farah leading the way. These guys will have to shake up the old Queensland brigade if they are to be victorious.

888Sport will be running a book on the game so grab a case of beer, get the pizzas delivered and pay for the whole night by backing your favourite team. My heart is always with the Blue’s but my head is telling me that the Maroon’s will have far too much experience and ability for the young New South Welshmen.