Cbus Super Stadium will play host to Wednesday's State Of Origin 2021 game between New South Wales and Queensland. The game kicks off at 8:10 pm with New South Wales heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the New South Wales vs. Queensland game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Wednesday July 14, 2021 at 8:10 pm
Where: Cbus Super Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
New South Wales vs Queensland Odds
New South Wales vs Queensland Preview
The 2021 State of Origin series has already been decided after the New South Wales Blues claimed victory in Game 2 with a 26-0 win over a somewhat improved Queensland Maroons side.
Injuries have forced Freddy Fittler into changes for this one. Meanwhile, Paul Green is ushering in some young talent with the State of Origin shield out of reach. The teams look closer on paper. Whether or not the Maroons can put it together on the field and make a game of it remains to be seen.
Despite a new-look Blues halves pairing and the possibility of a lethargic performance with the series already won, New South Wales are huge favourites at $1.20 and -14.5. Meanwhile, Queensland’s $4.30 and -13.5 from Game 2 are out even further to $4.60 and +14.5.
The Blues won’t be playing out of Stadium Australia as first planned. They had hoped to host 70,000 fans to celebrate winning the shield. However, Covid issues in the state have forced the game to be moved to Newcastle and a further reduced crowd size.
The 13+ didn’t look like enough for the Maroons heading into Game 2. As we now know, it wasn’t. They did, however, make significant improvements in defence to concede just (just…it’s incredible what NSW have done this year that we’re saying just) 26 points.
Queensland’s squad looks a lot better for Game 3, too. Meanwhile, few would argue New South Wales don’t look quite as fearful on paper despite the clear advantages they still hold in some areas. Out in the backline, in particular. Still, it looks as though the gap between the two teams overall has closed slightly.
The Maroons pack has had its moments throughout the series. That isn’t where things have gone wrong for this side. A lack of attack hasn’t allowed them to build any pressure, but the return of Kalyn Ponga will help to address the issue. So too will the speed of Tabuai-Fidow who should ask some questions of the Blues defence in exit sets.
An improved attack will improve the defence and allow the Maroons to keep this one close. If the Blues come out a little bit lethargic with the 2021 State of Origin series already locked up, we may even be in for an upset.
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New South Wales vs Queensland Tip
We're tipping New South Wales to win at $1.28 odds.
New South Wales vs Queensland Teams
New South Wales
1. James Tedesco
2. Brian To’o
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Tom Trbojevic
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Jack Wighton
7. Mitchell Moses
18. Dale Finucane
9. Damien Cook
10. Junior Paulo
11. Cameron Murray
12. Tariq Sims
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Api Koroisau
15. Angus Crichton
16. Payne Haas
17. Liam Martin
19. Nicho Hynes
20. Clint Gutherson
21. Stefano Utoikamanu
Queensland
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Valentine Holmes
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Dane Gagai
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Christian Welch
9. Ben Hunt
10. Josh Papalii
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Felise Kaufusi
15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. AJ Brimson
16. Moeaki Fotuaika
18. Francis Molo
20. Thomas Flegler
19. Kurt Mann
21. Coen Hess