Everything appears to be in place for the Maroons to claim their first win in a Harvey Norman Women's State of Origin match.
After having lost the first two matches played under the Origin format and also the last two interstate clashes before that, the pressure is on Queensland.
But now, with a home match (Sunshine Coast Stadium) and a healthy number of players from the all-conquering Broncos NRLW team in the squad, things are looking up for the Maroons.
The experts at NRL.com have their say on Friday night's showdown.
Experts' view
Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)
This is a tough one but I'll back Queensland. It's their time to finally get over the line. They have so much to play for and I know that playing at home will provide a huge boost. Maroons by 4
Qld Maroons v NSW Women
Jamie Soward (2010 premiership winner)
NSW will want to prove they can win on the road. Will need to be at their best early and Corban McGregor needs to run the ball. Hannah Southwell to get player of the match. Blues by 2
Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)
There is too much to like about the Maroons this year. They’re settled in key positional areas, have the home ground advantage and are led by Ali Brigginshaw who is on a mission to ensure the trophy is won for the first time under the State of Origin banner. Maroons by 8
Boyle back in blue and ready to hoist another trophy
Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)
NSW are primed to make it three wins on the trot under the Origin banner - coach Andy Patmore has picked on form rather than reputation, as evidenced by his decision to drop incumbent halves Maddie Studdon and Kirra Dibb for Corban McGregor and Melanie Howard. Blues by 8
Dan Walsh (NRL.com reporter)
I'll take NSW. Provided Kezie Apps (knee) and Isabelle Kelly (ankle) both come through training unscathed, backing the Blues to have just a few more game-breakers to decide a tight one. Blues by 7
Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)
With a home ground advantage, a Blues squad depleted by injury and the best player in the world - Ali Brigginshaw - leading the way, the Maroons will win. Blues fans will have their fingers crossed that Kezie Apps and Isabelle Kelly are also given the all clear. Maroons by 12
Lone Scout (NRL.com Fantasy guru)
I’ll back the NRLW-winning Broncos combinations to get the job done for Queensland, particularly Dally M winner Ali Brigginshaw and breakout 2020 star Tamika Upton. Maroons by 6
Match: Maroons v Sky Blues
Round 1 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Sky Blues
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)
NSW have won both games since the annual interstate clash moved to an Origin format and they again appear to have a stronger depth of playing talent. Blues by 2
Joel Gould (NRL.com reporter)
The Maroons should win their first Origin title on their home turf. The Broncos contingent in their squad will gel as a unit and guide them to victory. Maroons by 6.
Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)
This Blues squad is better than people are giving it credit for. If they can nullify the threat of key playmakers Ali Brigginshaw, Tarryn Aiken and Tamika Upton they otherwise match up strongly. Blues by 2
Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)
Queensland will turn the tables on the new-look NSW team with a home ground advantage and a host of in-form players fresh off starring in the NRLW. Maroons by 12
Savannah surprises Sergis
Martin Lenehan (NRL.com senior journalist)
The Maroons suffered consecutive defeats in enemy territory at North Sydney Oval in 2018-19 but a return to home soil will see Ali Brigginshaw’s team come out on top. Watch for a huge game from Tamika Upton in her Origin debut. Maroons by 8
Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)
Queensland. Ali Brigginshaw, Tarryn Aiken and Tamika Upton headline a strong squad with several NRLW premiership-winning Broncos players. Coupled with a home ground advantage and I believe Queensland will deny the Blues of an Origin three-peat. Maroons by 12
Kenny Scott (NRL.com podcaster)
It will be interesting to see how the Blues go outside of the comfy surrounds of North Sydney Oval. Conversely, this will be the first time the Maroons get to enjoy a home game. After a couple of years of losing out, this is the year the Queenslanders get one back. Queensland by 8
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARL Commission, NRL clubs or state associations.
