NRL
Australia
The Maroons have painted themselves as underdogs and former State of Origin greats believe that may just be the case for tonight’s series opener as driving rain lashes Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
New South Wales vs Queensland
Match scheduled
Last updated:26-05-2010 from 11:00 until 13:00
State of Origin 2010
With New South Wales having already promised to rock their opponents into submission, the miserable weather looks set to play right into their hands, with South Sydney coach and former Queensland hooker John Lang worried it will nullify the Maroons’ brilliant backline.
“It will be marginally better for NSW,” Lang said. “NSW have plenty of good attacking backs too but Queensland probably has a bit more brilliance.
“Across the backline they’ve got a bit more to offer and like to use the ball a bit more too.
“That’s why I say it will marginally suit NSW.”
Gold Coast coach and former Blues back-rower John Cartwright, who played eight games for NSW between 1989 and 1992, agreed that it could be a quiet night for Maroons stars Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Israel Folau.
