READ MORE: Check out our Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin Game 3 predictions & tips
State of Origin is one of the most entertaining and brutal series of matches in world sport. These guys are team-mates one week, then mortal enemies the next. If you don’t quite understand what I mean, check out the video below. You soon will.
It’s safe to say that rugby league fans around the world get just excited about State of Origin than they do following their own team. There is something about two teams going hell to leather against each other for the honour of the state they were born in.
NSW v Queensland State of Origin Game 3 Predictions & Tips (Wednesday, July 14 11:10 BST)
Suffering a series whitewash is always degrading and humiliating, and Queensland are on the verge of finding out what it is like. To make matters worse, if they do lose 3-0 it will be the first time in State of Origin history that the Maroons have lost every game in a series that has been held on their own patch. Due to the world we are living in, all three matches will have been played in Queensland – so if you think this is just a regular dead rubber, then think again. Queensland loves making history and setting records, but this will be one they won’t want to go on their resume. In the opening two games, NSW have scored 76 points and have conceded just six. Back in 2020, it was reported that a former Blues captain had stated that the Queensland side in that series was the worst in history and that poor side went on to win the series and took a lot of pleasure in that. The ex-player was 12 months too early because I think the Maroons side in 2021 is definitely the worst. Yes, they have had injuries and other matters to tend to, but there doesn’t seem to be any passion or fight – something they pride themselves on. NSW will be without Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai with both Penrith stars out injured, so the halfback pairing will be Mitch Moses and Jack Wighton. The Maroons will be without Jai Arrow for off-the-field shenanigans, although Kalyn Ponga has been named at full-back for his first start of the series. I would like the Maroons to make it 2-1 and not have that unwanted record on their backs forever, but confidence in the Blues camp is at an all-time high I am backing the Blues to cruise to another victory, as I just don’t think Queensland have what it takes under Paul Green. When you have a backline that consists of James Tedesco, Brian Te’o, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic and Josh Addo-Carr, then you are going to post plenty of points. I am backing Manly superstar Trbojevic to grab the first try of the game and take his 2021 series tally to five.
Our 2021 State of Origin: Queensland v New South Wales Betting Offers
The State of Origin will see Queensland and New South Wales battle it out in a three-game series. Bookmakers will produce various offers and price boosts on the 2021 State of Origin Series. Keep an eye on this section for all the top offers available as we build up to this eagerly awaited series.
The History Of State Of Origin
Before 1980, State of Origin wasn’t seen as the big deal it is today. From 1908 the interstate series between Queensland and New South Wales saw players selected for the state they played their rugby league in, rather than where they were born.
With all the top players wanting to play their club rugby in Sydney, New South Wales had the pick of the best when it came to the interstate games. By 1956, New South Wales had won 75% of the games with Queensland taking only 25%.
During the 1970s, the interest in the interstate series had dwindled a lot. No one in New South Wales and Queensland were interested because of the one-sided nature of the games.
The idea of playing a three-match series with Queensland allowed to select players playing in Sydney was agreed on with the first two games acting as a trial for selection to the Australia national team.
The 1980 interstate series saw the first two games being played under the normal rules, while a third game named ‘State of Origin’ was to take place in Queensland and was played under the new selection rules. The Sydney media didn’t believe it would work, but over 33 thousand fans turned up to Lang Park in Brisbane to see Arthur Beetson – who had played for NSW on 18 occasions – make his Queensland debut at the age of 35.
You could see the pride leaping out of his chest as he finally got to represent the state he was born in and the Maroons ended up winning the game 20-10 and that was how State of Origin was born.
Every Queenslander wanted to play for their state now and they took immense pride in doing so. A lot of players in the past had admitted they would rather play State of Origin than actually play for Australia.
The three-game State of Origin series is still going strong in 2021 and we are once again in for a treat when the Blues and Maroons literally lock horns. Money and trophies mean nothing in this game, State of Origin is all about pride – it’s as simple as that.
State Of Origin Schedule
Game 1
Queensland vs New South Wales – Wednesday, June 9 @ Country Bank Stadium, Townsville – NSW won 50-6
Game 2
Queensland vs New South Wales – Sunday, June 27 @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – NSW won 26-0
Game 3
New South Wales v Queensland – Wednesday, July 14 @ Stadium Australia, Sydney
State of Origin: New South Wales v Queensland Squads
New South Wales Blues Origin squad
James Tedesco (c), Brian To’o, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Josh Addo-Carr, Jack Wighton, Mitchell Moses, Dale Finucane, Damien Cook, Junior Paulo, Cameron Murray, Tariq Sims, Isaah Yeo, Apisai Koroisau, Angus Crichton, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Nicho Hynes, Clint Gutherson, Stefano Utoikamanu
Queensland Origin squad
Kalyn Ponga, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Christian Welch, Ben Hunt, Josh Papalii, Kurt Capewell, Felise Kaufusi, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, AJ Brimson, Moeaki Fotuaika, Francis Molo, Kurt Mann, Thomas Flegler, Coen Hess
2021 State of Origin Series Betting Tips FAQ
- Who are the best bookies for the State of Origin Series?
The majority of bookmakers tend to offer plenty of enhancements and price boosts for the majority of matches, but in particular, both Sky Bet and Paddy Power tend to go that extra mile for their customers, offering points victories and a range of different players to score tries in the game as well as plenty of other markets and prop bets on the event. In the week leading up to the Origin matches, these two bookmakers also offer enhanced specials on a number of different markets.
- How can I watch the State of Origin in the UK?
All three State of Origin matches will be shown live on Sky Sports. The opening game will be held in Townsville on Wednesday, June 9. The second game will remain in Queensland when the Suncorp Stadium is the venue on Sunday, June 27, before the series comes to a close in Sydney on Wednesday, July 14 at Stadium Australia.
- What countries can I watch State of Origin in?
The 2021 Ampol State of Origin series will be broadcast live nationally on the Nine Network and 9Now, Sky Sport in New Zealand and Watch NRL internationally.
International Coverage:
Watch NRL: Not available in Australia, New Zealand or Pacific Regions
Fox Sports 2 US
Sky UK
Fox Sports Asia
TVWAN Action (Papua New Guinea)
BeIN Sports (France)
Fox Netherlands
ESPN Africa
Rogers (Canada)
Sport24 (Worldwide In-Flight/In-Ship – excl Australia, New Zealand or Pacific Regions)
