State of Origin early tips

Remember how Tahu was asked to mark Idris and failed miserably? Look for Queensland to pepper that flank, no matter how big the New South Wales backs are.

And one further comment: Anyone who thinks Queensland will be too much worse off without Cameron Smith is kidding themselves. Payne and Ballin are both worthy replacements and perhaps could even be considered the form players.

QUEENSLAND ORIGIN FAVOURITES DESPITE BLUES HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE

Queensland have been posted as favourites to take the State of Origin series and game one despite the Blues enjoying home ground advantage.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said Queensland’s star studded line up were $1.75 favourites for the series opener but with an injury concern over Cameron Smith, he was keen to take them on.

“On paper the Maroons have it all over them as New South Wales have made some strange selections that would have made the Queenslanders smile,” Sullivan said.

“However, I can’t see punters wanting to back the Maroons until Cameron Smith is cleared and while he is doubt, I will be taking Queensland on as he is enormously important to their side.”

Sullivan said it was unusual for a side to be favourite for the series when they had two away games but Queensland’s dominance in recent years would see them start as $1.70 favourites.

“The Blues have a big advantage with two games in Sydney but with the Maroons side going for five in a row, they have to be favourite,” he said.

“If NSW had of selected a different side, which included Jarryd Hayne at fullback, the prices may have been a lot closer together.”

STATE OF ORIGIN GAME ONE
Sportingbet Australia Market
Queensland $1.75
New South Wales $2.08

STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES
Sportingbet Australia Market
Queensland $1.70
New South Wales $2.10