The greatest rivalry in sport reignites for 2022 State of Origin Game One between Queensland and New South Wales.

Match details

Who: New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons

When: Wednesday 8 June 8.10pm

Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney NSW

Weather: Min 6 Max 15. 5% chance of rain

This will be the first match played in NSW since 2020 after all three games were in Queensland last year due to COVID issues.

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Head-to-head record:

• Match wins: QLD 64 – 54 NSW. 2 draws
• Series wins: QLD 22 – 16 NSW. 2 drawn series

2022 State of Origin Game One teams

UPDATE: Freddy Fittler has made two late changes to his starting side with Martin replacing Murray in the back row and Campbell-Gillard moving into the front row for Paulo. Hynes is the replacement player for NSW and Arrow is for Queensland.

The Blues head into this series with the same spine as the team that dominated the opening two games last year, however they will be without two of their best in that series in Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic.

As expected, there is a strong Penrith influence in the side with Cleary, Luai and Yeo all set to play a big role in the playmaking, while To’o is on the wing and Crichton and Martin on the bench.

Canberra star Wighton was a surprise selection at centre, while Staggs will make his Origin debut as the other centre and gives NSW a real strike weapon on the edge. There has been some speculation that Wighton will shift to the bench and Chrichton will start at centre, but NSW Adviser Greg Alexander confirmed that Wighton will in fact start at centre.

Another surprise was the omission of Josh Addo-Carr who has scored 10 tries from 12 matches for his state, with the reliable Tupou taking his wing spot.

Despite some indifferent form for the Dragons, Sims has been retained in the back row after a terrific performance for NSW last year.

Campbell-Gillard makes his return to the NSW side from the bench, while his Parramatta teammate Matterson will make his Origin debut after some impressive club form.

Jake Trbojevic was another unlucky to miss out after being a regular in the Blues side over recent years.

Slater has named an in form Queensland side for his first match in charge with four debutants set to take centre stage.

Cobbo forced his way into this Maroons side after an incredible run of form for the Broncos and along with Coates on the other wing, they give Queensland two quality aerial threats. Fellow Bronco Carrigan will debut from the bench after some outstanding club form.

The Cowboys have been rewarded for their brilliant form with Cotter to start at lock and Nanai on the bench for their debuts.

Despite some struggles for the Knights, Ponga will play fullback and should enjoy playing with a quality spine.

The Dally M leader Hunt has been named to start at hooker where has played some of his best footy for Queensland, with Grant to provide a dynamic option off the bench.

Last 5 series results

2021: NSW won series 2-1

• Game One: Queensland 6 – 50 NSW at Townsville
• Game Two: Queensland 0 – 26 NSW at Brisbane
• Game Three: Queensland 20 – 18 NSW at Gold Coast

NSW dominated the opening two games and were on the verge of doing something special, a clean sweep with all games played in enemy territory. Queensland did well to respond in the final game but the damage was well and truly done by a superior Blues side.

2020: Queensland won series 2-1

• Game One: Queensland 20 – 18 NSW at Adelaide
• Game Two: NSW 34 – 10 Queensland at Sydney
• Game Three: Queensland 20 – 14 NSW at Brisbane

Not many gave this Queensland side any hope of winning one game let alone the series, but master coach Wayne Bennett and superstar Munster guided their state to a huge upset win.

2019: NSW won series 2-1

• Game One: Queensland 18 – 14 NSW at Brisbane
• Game Two: NSW 38 – 6 Queensland at Perth
• Game Three: NSW 26 – 20 Queensland at Sydney

One of the great Origin series in history with the Blues claiming a last-gasp victory in game three thanks to a brilliant team try that was fittingly scored by the brilliant Tedesco.

2018: NSW won series 2-1

• Game One: Queensland 12 – 22 NSW at Brisbane
• Game Two: NSW 18 – 14 Queensland at Sydney
• Game Three: Queensland 18 – 12 NSW at Brisbane

The Blues broke a streak of three straight Queensland series wins, winning the opening two games before the Maroons won game three.

2017: Queensland won series 2-1

• Game One: Queensland 4 – 28 NSW at Brisbane
• Game Two: NSW 16 – 18 Queensland at Sydney
• Game Three: Queensland 22 – 6 NSW

The Maroons looked dead and buried at half time in game two but showed that typical Queensland spirit to get back into the game before Thurston kicked the winning conversion in his final Origin game. They then went onto win game three comfortably at home.

Pre match predictions

Centre-stage: NSW centre Wighton to score a try for the Blues in an unfamiliar role.

Phone Holmes: Queensland to call on Val Holmes to kick the match-winning conversion or penalty goal. Queensland by 2.

Cash Munny: Cam Munster to bank a try or try assist as he once again steps up in the Origin arena. Queensland by 4 – Denholm Samaras

Staggs night: Kotoni Staggs to announce himself in his Origin debut with a try and 100+ run metres. – Denholm Samaras

Have any pre match predictions of your own? Let us know in the comments down below.

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