Origin 3. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

It’s backs against the wall and try not to be embarrassed and swept on home soil for New South Wales in State Of Origin 3 for 2023.

The last side to complete a clean sweep was 2010, which of course Queensland coach Billy Slater was Queensland fullback and was this sides fifth straight series win.

It’s incredible to think that there was only one clean sweep in that eight straight. It shows just how competitive Origin is, and just how hard it is to win every game in the series.

Seven changes to the Blues show how desperate Brad Fittler is to save face and save his job. A new halves combination for the third straight game, a new second-row pairing, and a new bench means there are so many things to discuss and debate for what could be Freddy’s last series.

It really just feels like business as usual for Queensland. They have just promoted the next man up all series through injury or suspension, which shows how quickly they’ve gone from that 2021 humiliation to looking likely to take on another dynasty under the players that got them that historic eight series wins.

Two new faces, AJ Brimson who deservedly slots into the fullback spot over the suspended Reece Walsh, and debutante Corey Horsburgh who will no doubt bring his trademark emotion into his performance.

The Maroons haven’t looked bothered all series, which is why I am confident they will sweep the Blues. 

One thing they’ve prided themself on, and what coach Slater has told them throughout the campaign has been to keep moving your feet.

This was evident after Stephen Crichton took off with the open line ahead of him, and nine Cane Toads were in frame running hard to track him down. Not only did they stop the try, they scored one on the next set.

While there’s plenty of talk about this being the most attacking Cockroaches side for the series, they still have only averaged two tries a game. Which is nowhere near good enough, considering they’ve conceded 68 points.

They do have the fact of being at home, and they have to stand up and perform because they really haven’t so far.

Whatever they have done in camp for game three must have been about executing in the red zone. They’ve had so many opportunities to score on multiple occasions and have looked stale and clunky.

The inclusion of Cody Walker, who has been the best-attacking half statistically over the last five years shows that they want points. Accompanied by Mitchell Moses’s kicking game, this is a well balanced halves pairing.

Two on debut, Bradman Best and Keaon Koloamatangi could see Freddy burning through two more players that may never be used again, or will they provide a much-needed edge for them.

I think the key cog is Jake Trbojevic. He has never let his state down yet and the way he works on and off the ball is stoic.

Where Freddy has got it right is naming Cameron Murray at 13. He’s the form lock of the comp alongside Queensland’s Patrick Carrigan.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard recalled from a two-year hiatus is the right call, but not at the expense of his Parramatta teammate Junior Paulo.

And not to go on about this New South Wales side, but with Gutherson on the bench as well as Robson leaves them a little light on forwards. That’s a lot of pressure for their big boys.

The Maroons will play like they have all series. It will be hard lines, courageous defence, and flairy footy on the flanks. 

The likes of Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter and Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui have won the physicality in most if not all of the contact – and have thrived massively in the Origin arena in 2023. Any three of these players could win the Wally Lewis Medal.

I feel like if the Queenslanders can weather the New South Welshmen in the first half again, they will absolutely win this encounter, and come away with a clean sweep.

I’m also excited to get along to Accor Stadium for my first-ever Origin experience. It’s just a shame that the state I support are in danger of getting embarrassed on home soil.

I have said NSW will win in games one and two this year, but I can’t go past Queensland. 26-24 winners with Cameron Munster first try scorer.

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