State of Origin III: The Decider.

With the mid-season international on this side of the world taking up time on this side of the hemisphere, the final State of Origin match of 2008 has been ignored a little by me. That is, until now. Reason for this is because I feel internationals should take precedence over domestic competitions. If so, I would be commenting on the European Nations Shield and Pro Bowl. But as coverage and interest is limited, I am rather stuck.

Anyway back on topic, here are the teams for the final State of Origin decider.

NSW:

Brett Stewart,

Jarryd Hayne, Joel Monaghan, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn,

Braith Anasta,
Mitchell Pearce,

Willie Mason, Danny Buderus (capt), Brett White,
Craig Fitzgibbon, Ryan Hoffman,
Paul Gallen.

Kurt Gidley, Anthony Laffranchi, Ben Cross, Anthony Tupou.

QLD:

Karmichael Hunt,

Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Brent Tate, Israel Folau,

Johnathan Thurston,
Scott Prince,

Steve Price, Cameron Smith (capt), Petero Civoniceva,
Michael Crocker, Ashley Harrison,
Dallas Johnson.

Billy Slater, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday.

One big change by Queensland is Ashley Harrison comes in at second row; otherwise there are no real changes to the side that thrashed NSW at Suncorp. Scott Prince will defiantly start for the maroons after Darren Lockyer was ruled out of the series indefinatly three weeks ago. For the home side I cannot recall a single change from the side beaten heavily in Brisbane. That is until I remembered Joel Monaghan will start centre in replace of, what looks like, Mark Gasnier.

The question is who will win? Queensland don’t like ANZ Stadium’s conditions on a Wednesday night with the moisture of the surface and coldness compared to being at home. However they by far have the better side, so mix the two together and you’ll have an exciting contest. Really it all depends how Mal Meninga’s side adapt to the conditions in Sydney, and end their dismal record at the Olympic Stadium.

Unfortunately, I will be on holiday the day of the game. So once I get back, the DVD will be on and this blog updated ASAP. Enjoy the game, and if you have my mobile number don’t bother texting me the score.