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New South Wales will attempt to end Queensland’s recent dominance in State of Origin when the series gets underway on Wednesday night.
The Maroons have shone under the leadership of Billy Slater, winning the last two series, and are the hot fancies at 1.66 to make it three in a row.
The Blues have made a change at the top with Michael Maguire coming in to replace Brad Fittler as coach, and 'Madge' has made sweeping changes to his side.
One of the most controversial was leaving out captain James Tedesco for game one, with Dylan Edwards coming in to replace him at fullback.
However an injury to Edwards has seen Tedesco recalled to the side, and the Blues legend is set to make his 23rd straight State of Origin appearance.
Both sides are missing some big players through injury, but top-class replacements are coming in to fill their boots.
It does not get much bigger than State of Origin when it comes to sport in Australia, and we are set for fireworks from the off.
. What: New South Wales v Queensland
. Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
. When: 20:05 (AEST), Wednesday 5th June 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: New South Wales 2.00, Queensland 1.82
Tedesco up for the fight
Tedesco is back in the New South Wales side after initially being overlooked by coach Maguire for game one.
Also stripped of the captaincy, doubts have been raised over whether Tedesco would be up for the challenge of stepping back in.
However the Sydney Roosters ace has dismissed such talk and is ready to fire. But the gun fullback will be keen to make a statement and keep the number one jersey for game two.
He can be backed at 12.00 to score the first try of the game, or 2.80 to score a try at anytime.
The Blues have five players on debut and with no Nathan Cleary due to injury, will field a new-look halves pairing of Nicho Hynes and Jarome Luai.
New South Wales have a great record at Accor Stadium, winning four of the last five Origin games played there.
And statistics would suggest they need another if they are to go on and win the series.
It looks sure to be tight and the Blues can be backed at 6.00 to win game one by 1-5 points.
Accor holds no fear for Maroons
Queensland have won the past three opening Origin games that have been played in Sydney, including in 2022, so the trip will hold no fear.
The Maroons are the hot fancies to come out on top again and can be backed at 6.00 to win the game by 6-10 points.
There is a familiar look to the Queensland set-up, with Billy Slater handing a debut to just one player, J'maine Hopgood.
They are missing the influential Cameron Munster, but in Tom Dearden they have a very adequate replacement in the halves.
Valentine Holmes loves Origin and has scored 13 tries in 16 games. The Maroons centre can be backed at 3.50 to score another at anytime.
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