The latest chapter in rugby league's fiercest rivalry is upon us with the 2022 State of Origin series to kick off tonight at 8:10pm at Sydney's Olympic stadium.
With a new look Queensland side marshalling up under rookie coach Billy Slater and New South Wales on the hunt for a fourth series win in five years under Brad Fittler, the stakes have never been higher.
The Blues are slight favourites with the bookies on the back of their imposing record in Sydney, where Queensland haven't won since 2017, plus the presence of stars like James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo and their riotous victories in the first two matches last year.
But only a fool would write off Queensland. Exciting winger Selwyn Cobbo will be making his Origin debut on the right flank while star five-eighth Cameron Munster enters the game in some of the best form of his NRL career.
Patrick Carrigan, Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai will also be pulling on the Maroon jersey for the first time while the Blues boast three debutants in Kotoni Staggs, Stephen Crichton and Ryan Matterson.
All eyes in the final hours before the match will be on Crichton and whether he is elevated to the starting side in relief of Raiders star Jack Wighton, who was a shock selection at left centre.
The captains for the two teams remain unchanged, with James Tedesco to lead the Blues into battle for the third series in a row while Daly Cherry-Evans is once again wearing the armband for the Queenslanders.
The match will kick off just after 8pm, with ABC Radio to provide full coverage from 7pm with Andrew Moore in the commentary box with experts Luke Lewis and Matthew Elliott.
Match details:
New South Wales vs Queensland – State of Origin I, 2022
Date: Wednesday, 8th June
Time: 8:10pm
Venue: Sydney's Olympic stadium
Broadcast:
- ABC local radio in all states from game time
- ABC Sport Digital, local radio in NSW, ACT and QLD from 7:05pm AEST
- Streamed on the ABC Sport button on the ABC Listen App
- Live and free on Channel Nine and NineNow
