State of Origin
Monday 27 May 2013
8 for 8: QLD v NSW State of Origin 2013
The Origin Shield is at home in Queensland, with the Maroons winning the past eight consecutive State of Origin bouts.
Will NSW be able to steal it back in State of Origin 2013?
Origin Game One:
NSW vs Queensland
5 June 2013, 8.00pm AEST
Premier Campbell Newman has thrown his support behind the Queensland team as they strive for an unprecedented eight straight series win.
Mr Newman said it was fitting the first game fell in the middle of Queensland Week celebrations.
“A win on Wednesday night will give even more reason for Queenslanders to celebrate next week,” Mr Newman said.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to wear maroon on Wednesday to show the team they have the whole state behind them.
“It was great to see Mal Meninga take the team to Bundaberg to lift the spirits of a community that has been so hard-hit by the recent floods.
Mr Newman said he was keen for the traditional bet with his New South Wales counterpart Barry O’Farrell.
“The Queensland flag has flown proudly over the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the last seven years, and I look forward to seeing it take centre stage again this year,” he said.
“I noticed that Premier O’Farrell has put his faith in the New South Wales team based on the predictions of a dugong.
“I put my faith in the Queensland team based on the talent and spirit they have shown over many years.”
The QLD squad was announced on May 27 at 6:30pm by QLD coach Mal Meninga, with only one new face named – Chris McQueen. Darius Boyd has been cleared of a serious ankle injury but remains in doubt. Melbourne Storm’s Justin O’Neill has been placed on stand-by.
BREAKING: Kurt Gidley has been ruled out of Origin 1 with a foot injury. He has been replaced by Josh Reynolds.
The NSW squad for 2013 was named by NSW coach Laurie Daley 10 days before the opening 2013 State of Origin game on June 5.
NSW have picked up several injuries in the leadup to the 2013 NSW State of Origin series. Brett Stewart will miss Game 1 with a back injury, while Brett Morris has been selected after overcoming knee surgery.
(Info credit: FoxSports)
Origin Trivia
A few questions to test your memory:
In State of Origin 2004, who scored the final try for NSW, sending both himself and Coach Phil Gould out on a winning note?
Brad Fittler.
He charged down a Darren Lockyer kick and scored under the posts, in front of a thrilled home crowd at Telstra Stadium. Fittler retired from representative football (again) after the emphatic win. Fittler’s first “last game” for NSW was ruined by Allan Langer’s return for QLD in 2001. Phil ‘Gus’ Gould retired from all coaching.
In State of Origin Series 2009, what was so unusual about the try that NSW winger David Williams scored in game three?
First time in Origin history that an 8-point try was awarded.
Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston was penalised for kicking NSW winger David Williams in the face as he was trying to ground the ball for a try. The referees did not take nicely to that and awarded NSW an 8 point try. This mean that Kurt Gidley had two attempts at goal, one from where the ball was grounded and one in front of the goal posts. Both kicks were converted.
