Blues still obvious favourites going into the game. They have all the combinations, key players and with only a couple of exceptions they're all in top form. The only way I can see Queensland winning this is if they repeat 2001 and get off to a strong start rack up a huge lead and answer whatever comeback NSW try and master swiftly.
They have to play it like Melbourne who aren't afraid of chancing their hand early before turning it into a grind and focusing on their bench. If they can bring Brimson into the game early and just give him good clean ball I think that'll open the Blues up. Both Munster and Cherry-Evans will need to be a little selfless and give good early ball and pick their moments. If they get caught ball hogging, they'll play right into the Blues hands.
Hunt when he comes on needs to think run first and keep pushing forward. Even if it's just half an inch, take that space and get the team on the front foot. He can be a key player here.
Defence is going to have to be on point. I'll need to see something from Hess early on, he's easily the least convincing selection of the lot and he'll need to be in the game from the opening minute. I would not be surprised if he comes off after 30 minutes and returns as a loose forward later in the game.
Tough game to get a feel for, especially given Covid League and how easily teams can lose touch with the contest. So much of Origin revolves around the atmosphere and that's obviously not going to be there. Being an end of year fixture as well, I feel like a 38-16 NSW is pretty likely.
