Queensland's dominance in Origin has continued for the third straight year, after they downed the NSW boys 16-10 in Sydney - and boy, did the game started with a bang.

It took only one minute before a fight broke out after Ben Cross was hit by a high shot - both sides were fully fired-up for the decider.

NSW took the early lead with a penalty, before Queensland scored the opening try in the fifth minute. Scott Prince put up a bomb, which Israel Falou took easily thanks to some poor handling from Anthony Quinn.

A try by Matt Cooper gave NSW back the lead before Falou scored a fantastic try, out-jumping Quinn to score his second of the night.

Another penalty before the break gave NSW a 10-8 lead at halftime...

The second half was a tough battle, as both sides struggled to break the others defence.

Nate Myles was put on report for a grade three dangerous tackle on Cross, which led to another all-in brawl (It's great to see a bit of biff in Origin...) - Myles looks set to miss up to eight weeks for the tackle.

It was the 67th minute when Thurston threw a dummy and broke the NSW line, setting up Billy Slater for what would prove to be the match winner - NSW never looked like scoring from that point on.

Final score - 16-10 to the mighty Maroons.

Being NSW supporters, it's hard to say this, but...

Queensland are one classy outfit.

What makes the Queensland effort even more impressive is the fact they won without playmaker Scott Prince (who broke his arm in the 15th minute), which saw Karmichael Hunt move the five eight.

Once again, Steve Price and Petro Civoniceva were outstanding up front for Queensland, while Dallas Johnson was fantastic on defence, as was Brent Tate (again...).

NSW had their moments, but were ultimately let down by some poor discipline at crucial times. Paul Gallen (who we think is completely overrated, by the way) gave away some costly penalties, which gave Queensland some easy meters down the field.

Another player who looked out of his depth was Anthony Quinn. After surprising us in Game One, his form has been less-than-impressive in the last two games, and his defence last night was poor. Just like Steve Turner (in Game Two) we can't help but wonder if he would have been selected if Craig Bellamy wasn't the coach.

If NSW are to compete next year, they need to bring back guys like Brent Kite, Nathan Hindmarsh and Andrew Ryan. These are the types of player who will give you eighty minutes of solid footy, rather than guys like Gallen who give away stupid (yes, stupid) penalties on a regular basis.

In the end, Queensland have been the better side in the series. NSW have only managed one try in the last two games, which is never going to be enough at Origin level.

It's been a fantastic series, though (well, maybe not so much for NSW supporters...) again showing that Origin is the pinnacle of rugby league.

There's only one more week until the Origin decider, and after Queensland demolished NSW in Game Two it's no surprise that they've named an unchanged lineup for Game Three.

Cameron Smith will once again captain the side in Darren Lockyer's absence.

Queensland head into the decider as heavy favourites, but it won't be easy for them - especially playing at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, which has not been a happy hunting ground for them.

Still, after the 30-0 thrashing of NSW in Game Two they'll be confident they can pull off a win in enemy territory.

Here's how they line up:

1. Karmichael Hunt
2. Israel Falou
3. Brent Tate
4. Greg Inglis
5. Darius Boyd
6. Scott Prince
7. Jonathan Thurston
8. Petro Civoniceva
9. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Steve Price
11. Michael Crocker
12. Ashley Harrison
13. Dallas Johnson

Interchange: Nate Myles, Ben Hannant, Billy Slater, Sam Thaiday.


NSW will be without several key playmakers, with Peter Wallace, Greg Bird and Mark Gasnier all out with injuries. All three were inspirational in Game One, leading NSW to an 18-10 victory. They are massive losses heading into the decider...

Craig Bellamy has decided to go with Roosters halves Braith Anasta and Mitchell Pierce, who will make his debut. Anasta has played Origin footy before, and will be looking to take his recent good form into the do or die match.

At only 19, Pierce has developed into a solid halfback, and has been a key player for the Roosters this year. He has a great kicking game, which NSW will need if they're to put Queensland under any sort of pressure. It's a huge gamble by the NSW selectors, but the youngster certainly has the goods to step up to the big time.

The other debutant for NSW is Joel Monaghan, who replaces Gasnier at center. Monaghan has been knocking on the Origin door for a few years now, and finally gets his chance with Gasnier's injury. They're massive boots to fill, especially as he'll find himself marking Greg Inglis - and he was devastating in Game Two.

Both Jarryd Hayne and Ben Cross come back into the team after missing Game Two, which means Steve Simpson and Steve Turner (thank goodness...) drop out of the team. Turner had a shocker on debut, and really didn't deserve another shot. Simpson makes way for Cross, who will bolster the front row.

Here's how NSW will look:

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd hayne
3. Joel Monaghan
4. Matt Cooper
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Mitchell Pierce
8. Willie Mason
9. Danny Buderus (c)
10. Brent White
11. Ryan Hoffman
12. Craig Fitzgibbon
13. Paul Gallen

Interchange: Ben Cross, Kurt Gidley, Anthony Tupou, Anthony Laffranchi

NSW are going to have to step up if they are to pose any threat to the rampant Queenslanders, but in all reality it's hard to see Queensland dropping Game Three - even if it is in Sydney.

Whatever happens, it should be a great finish to what has been a fantastic Origin series.

We're not at all biased, but - Go The Blues!

Anyone who thought a home ground advantage didn't count for much these days should try telling that to the Queensland Origin side.

After a less-than-impressive Game One, Queensland knew they had to step up in front of 52,000 screaming supporters. Or, as Willie Mason called them, "nutbag rednecks".

And step up they did. Wouldn't you, after being called a nutbag?

Queensland came out with such intensity that they never looked like losing. Their defence was unrelenting, and they kept NSW down in their own half. It was a complete turn around from what we saw in Game One. This time, it was NSW who were unable to fire a shot.

It took only 7 minutes before Greg Inglis broke the line to set up Darius Boyd for the first points of the night, and the trend of rookies scoring on debut continues. Jonathan Thurston converted to give the Maroons an early six-nil lead.

The Queensland attack was unstoppable all night, with veterans Steve Price and Petro Civoniceva leading the way up front. Price played a staggering 50 minutes before having a rest - not bad for an old timer.

They laid the platform for Thurston and Scott Prince to attack from...

Boyd scored his second try in the 21st minute after Inglis made another bust out wide. It was only three weeks ago when Mark Gasnier was doing the same thing to Queensland - it's funny how players lift in front of their own fans.

After a string of penalties, the score at half time was 16-0. NSW looked completely shell shocked as the headed into the break, and the second half wasn't going to get any easier for them...

In the 64th minute Ben Hannant wrestled his way across the line for his first try in Origin, Thurston converted, and the score was 24-0. The Queensland crowd were becoming more and more deafening as their side ran away with the game.

A final try to Israel Falou in the 68th minute proved to be the final nail in the NSW coffin. The final score - 30-0 to the rampant Queenslanders.

They had completely dominated the NSW pack in every facet of the game. Inglis was an absolute standout, and received the man of the match award - deservedly so. His battle against Mark Gasnier is worth the price of admission alone...

Brent Tate played a fantastic game and was a tackling machine, making 33 tackles (an incredible amount for a center) and again showing that his rep career is nowhere near over...

NSW looked completely out of sorts against the attack of Queensland. Debutant winger Steve Turner had a shocker of a night - he looked out of his depth on the big stage, and we can't help but feel his selection had a lot to do with Craig Bellamy being his club coach. He would be extremely lucky to retain his position for the deciding game, especially if Jarryd Hayne is available for Game Three. If not, Joel Managhan should be given the wing spot - he has a lot more experience than Turner, and is better on defence.

Peter Wallace and Greg Bird were unable to back up their performance from Game One. They were by no means terrible, but compared to Thurston and Prince they were made to look ordinary. Former coach Phil Gould suggested that a proper five-eight be brought in - someone like Braith Anasta perhaps?

Bird is a much better forward than he is a five-eight - and at this level, under this kind of intensity, you need your best players in the right positions.

The win will give Queensland a lot of confidence going into Game Three - which is back in Sydney, where their record isn't so flash. But if they play like that again...then again, the mystery of the home ground advantage may just swing back to NSW.

So - thoughts on the winner of Origin '08, sports fans??

What a difference a week makes, eh...

After the triumph of last weeks win over the Knights (IN Australia) the Warriors have once again slumped. Does it get any worse than losing to the Rabbitohs, currently sitting at the bottom of the table?

Just when you think the Warriors have turned a corner, they put on a poor performance (yes, we're holding back...) in a game they should have won - easily. They're a hard team to support at times, these Warriors...we must be suckers for punishment.

They managed to break out to a 14-nil lead early in the first half, only to fall asleep on defense - letting the Bunnies in for some pretty soft tries. They have one of the worst defensive records in the NRL this year, and any side that allows the Rabbitohs to score 35 points has serious problems.

Understatement of the year, maybe?

Funny thing about the Warriors...just when you think they're done for, they manage to pull a great win out of nowhere. Hopefully they can do that against the Sharks this weekend - they'll certainly be happy to have Steve Price and Brent Tate back from Origin duty.

Also looking to return from injury are Michael Witt (we desperately need his goal kicking...) and big Manu Vatuvei. Both their skills will be a huge bonus for the Warriors, and we more than hope they're back for the weekend.

The Rabbitohs easily played their best game of the year (when you've only won two games all year, its not hard to pick the best one...), and with all the off-field dramas they've been going through, it'd be nice to think they can move forward. But if you thought supporting the Warriors was hard...

St.George welcomed Wendell Sailor back into the first grade with a 28-10 win over the 'baby' Broncos on Friday night. Pity, though - his return was cut short when he broke his cheekbone attempting a tackle on David Stagg, and he'll be out of action for at least the next month.

Tough break, Dell. Literally.

It's the Dragons fourth straight win, although they've been extremely fortunate to face the Storm and the Broncos during Origin time. Still - they are showing some good form, and are looking a real threat to the top eight.

It's hard to look past Manly's performance as the game of the weekend, though, giving the Roosters a 42-0 thrashing. Last year they gave them a 56-0 thrashing...

Reckon they like playing the Roosters?

They were unrelenting in their attack, and gave the Roosters no opportunity to fight back. Coach Des Hasler said they were "clinical" - who can argue with him on that one?

The Roosters helped them out, though, missing over 50 tackles - without their Origin stars...well, they were made to look like amateurs.

After a slow start to the season Manly are flying high (ha - get it? birds, flying and all that?), and are becoming a serious contender for the Premiership this year. Teams better start taking notice of the Sea Eagles, we think...

Here's how your teams went over the weekend.

Rabbitohs 35 - 22 Warriors
Dragons 28 - 10 Broncos
Eels 30 - 12 Raiders
Tigers 40 - 16 Cowboys
Knights 22 - 12 Bulldogs
Sea Eagles 42 - 0 Roosters
Sharks 24 - 22 Panthers
Titans 18 - 0 Storm


In Origin news, the Maroons have been dealt a nasty blow with inspirational captain, Darren Lockyer, ruled out of Game Two. He's succumbed to his troublesome knee injury, and is a huge, huge loss for the Maroons, who need to win to keep the series alive.

Lockyer's injury has made way for Titans captain Scott Prince, who many felt was unlucky to miss out on Game One. Prince's form in the NRL has been fantastic of late, but whether or not he can inspire the Queenslander's to victory on Wednesday remains to be seen. He certainly has the skills to cause some trouble for NSW, and it's gonna be one hell of a game...

And, on a final note - what of your support for the Warriors? After their atrocious performance in the weekend, will you keep supporting them? Or are you sick of the constant roller coaster seasons?

We'll be there through thick and thin...are you with us?

Think State of Origin One was good?

Game Two's comin' next week, and it's going to be even better.

NSW shocked the rugby league world with an 18-10 upset over the highly favoured Queensland side, but Game Two moves to Suncorp stadium - which is a daunting task for any NSW team. It'll be filled to the brim with screaming Queenslanders, all hoping to see their team bounce back and square up the series 1-1.

Mel Maninga has made four changes to his side from Game One. Most importantly, he's brought back Darren Lockyer (Broncos) and Steve Price (Warriors), who were both injured for Game One. Also making his return to the grand stage is Titans star Ashley Harrison, who replaces Jacob Lillyman (Cowboys) on the bench.

The other new comer is Broncos winger Darius Boyd, making his debut on the wing. His selection is due to the 6 game suspension of Justin Hodges (Broncos), who took an early guilty plea for a dangerous tackle on 'Piggy' Riddell (Eels). New comers have an uncanny ability of scoring on debut in State of Origin - will Boyd continue the trend?

Carl Webb (Cowboys) and PJ Marsh (Broncos) have been dropped for Game Two, while Karmichael Hunt (Broncos) moves onto the bench to make way for Lockyer - who will also captain the side.

Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys) will need to up his game after a very disappointing opener, although having Lockyer back will certainly take some of the pressure off him, and allow him to play his natural game. If these two can get going, the NSW defence will be kept on its toes.

It's do or die for Queensland. If they win, they go to Game Three with a shot at the series. If not, it'll be a dead rubber.

No pressure.

Here's their lineup.

1. Billy Slater (Storm)
2. Greg Inglis (Storm)
3. Brent Tate (Warriors)
4. Israel Folau (Storm)
5. Darius Boyd (Broncos)
6. Darren Lockyer (captain, Broncos)
7. Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys)
8. Petro Civoniceva (Panthers)
9. Cameron Smith (Storm)
10. Steve Price (Warriors)
11. Michael Crocker (Strom)
12. Sam Thaiday (Broncos)
13. Dallas Johnson (Storm)

Interchange: Karmichael Hunt (Broncos), Ben Hannant (Broncos), Ashley Harrison (Titans), Nate Myles (Roosters).

NSW have made two changes to the side that won in Sydney. Steve Simpson and Kurt Gidley (both Knights) have been brought in to replace Ben Cross (broken thumb) and Ben Hornby. Both Simpson and Gidley were unavailable for Game One due to injury, and while both have had limited game time in the NRL coach Craig Bellamy has had no hesitation in selecting them for Game Two.

Gidley makes an excellent interchange player, and will be devastating in the back-end of the second half.

Mark Gasnier (Dragons) has been cleared after the knee issues he's suffered since Game One - good news, we think. Watching him carve up in Game One was something special, and we wouldn't mind a bit more of it...

Jarryd Hayne (Eels) has been charged with a grade-2 dangerous tackle, and is out. Steve Turner (Storm) gets the nod ahead of Joel Monaghan (Raiders), who, to be honest, we'd have preferred.

Why?

The coach of the Blues is from Melbourne. Both wingers are from Melbourne. Enough said.

Otherwise, though, it's the same lineup. They'll need to bring their A game to Suncorp, and it won't be an easy task.

Here's their lineup.

1. Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles)
2. Steve Turner (Storm)
3. Matt Cooper (Dragons)
4. Mark Gasnier (Dragons)
5. Anthony Quinn (Storm)
6. Greg Bird (Sharks)
7. Peter Wallace (Broncos)
8. Craig Fitzgibbon (Roosters)
9. Danny Buderous (captain, Knights)
10. Brent White (Storm)
11. Willie Mason (Roosters)
12. Ryan Hoffman (Storm)
13. Paul Gallen (Sharks)

Interchange: Kurt Gidley (Knights), Steve Simpson (Knights), Anthony Tupou (Roosters), Anthony Laffranchi (Titans).

Despite losing the first game, it's hard to look past the Queenslanders as favourites for Game Two. Having Lockyer and Price back in the mix is a huge bonus, and if Lockyer can pull out a performance like the one against the Eels in the weekend, they'll be tough to beat - especially at Suncorp.

But - remember Game One?

Don't write the boys from NSW off just yet...

Game one of the 2008 State of Origin series kicked off in Sydney last night, and while the build up was quiet - the action on the field was anything but.

Queensland came into the game as red hot favourites, and with their backline full of superstars you could see why.

But somebody obviously forgot to tell the NSW boys that they were the underdogs, and they came out firing.

Within just four minutes, NSW were on the board thanks to some slick work from Ryan Hoffman and Brett Stewart, who set up winger Anthony Quinn for his first try of the night. Craig Fitzgibbon slotted the conversion to give NSW a 6-0 lead early on.

Quinn didn't have to wait long for his second try, scoring in the corner off a Peter Wallace kick. If these young rookies were nervous, they definitely weren't showing it.

Queensland had very few opportunities on attack in the first half, as they struggled to break the NSW defence - which commentator Ray Warren described as 'intense'.

Fullback Billy Slater was targeted all night, and took a lot of punishment from the NSW forwards. They showed that the best way to stop him is just to hit him hard - and boy, it worked.

In the 35th minute Mark Gasnier made a break to set up up Stewart for the third try of the night, and all of a sudden it was 14-0 in favour of NSW. If they'd landed their conversions, their lead would have been even greater.

With time almost up in the first half, Jonathan Thurston was finally able to weave some of his magic by putting a well timed grubber into the corner for Brent Tate to pounce on. The video ref had no problems awarding the try, and at halftime the score read 14-4 - giving Queensland a glimmer of hope.

The second half began with a brilliant break by Gasnier, who seemed to have few problems breaking the Queensland line - he was on fire. Queensland managed to withstand the early onslaught, but in the 66th minute Gasnier carved through the middle to set up debutant Anthony Laffranchi for his first Origin try. It would prove to be the final nail in the Queensland coffin, who just couldn't get anything going.

Both Tate and Justin Hodges were denied trys due to some great cover defence, before Israel Falou crossed in the corner for a last minute consolation try. The final score - 18-10 in favour of NSW, and a well fought win.

The NSW halves - Greg Bird (who was named Man of the Match) and Peter Wallace - were outstanding as they directed their side around the field. Wallace's kicking game was spot on, silencing those who doubted his selection in the team. Both Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper were strong in the centres - Gasnier especially, who really ripped apart the Queensland defence. A solid effort by the forwards, who laid a great platform for their backs to shine, rounded off a terrific all-round performance.

For Queensland, the big problem was their inability to get any real forward momentum going, and the defence of NSW was absolutely relentless. Both Cameron Smith and Jonathan Thurston were unusually quiet, and that's a bad sign for the Queenslanders. Karmichael Hunt was sensational on defence, though - just ask Hoffman, who seemed to get hit by Hunt every time he got the ball. Unfortunately, all of his efforts in defence drained his energy, and left him unable to make a major impact on attack.

Brent Tate kept busy all night, and was deservedly rewarded with a first half try. Both Greg Inglis and Israel Falou, however, seemed almost invisible out on the field - another bad sign for Queensland.

Surely they'll have to bring in Scott Prince for game two? His NRL form has been brilliant, and his presence in the team would be a massive boost. We'd like to see him on the bench in place of PJ Marsh, who really doesn't offer the same skill sets as someone like Prince.

It will certainly be interesting to see if Mel Maninga makes any changes, as Queensland has traditionally been reluctant to make unforced adjustments to their team. We'll watch this space, but whatever happens they'll need to step it up big time for game two on their home soil.

Hats off to Quinn, Laffranchi, and Falou, who all scored on their debuts, while Wallace, Hannant, and Ben Cross can all be proud of their debut performances.

And last-but-not-least - spare a thought for Michael Crocker, who FINALLY tastes defeat for the first time in 32 games of footy...

Fantastic run, Mick.

Final result:

New South Wales: 18 (Trys - Quinn (2), Stewart, Laffranchi; Conversions - Fitzgibbon 1/3, Wallace 0/1)

Queensland: 10 (Trys - Tate, Falou; Conversions - Thurston 1/2)

It's been an unusually quiet build up to Origin One, and both sides have been content to go about their respective business before the Wednesday night opener. The trash talking has been on the down low, but there's no doubt that both sides will be fired-up come kick-off time - and the greatest rivalry in Rugby League will be underway for another year. We're expecting a fiery opener filled with bone-crunching hits...anything less just wouldn't be Origin footy, now would it?

In NRL news, it was an action-packed weekend as the teams tried to make-do without their Origin stars - which had a lot to do with some of the surprises from the round ten action.

The biggest win (form-wise) came from the struggling Dragons, who beat the Storm 36-12 - although it must be noted that the Storm were without nine of their stars who were away on Origin duty. It certainly would have looked bad for the Dragons if they had failed to beat the "baby" Storm, and they'll be hoping Wendell Sailor makes his return within the next few weeks to help bolster that backline.

The North Queensland Cowboys were handed a 38-6 thrashing at the hands of the Manly Sea Eagles, which has led to coach Graham Murray's resignation - as of immediately. Murray was due to step down as coach at the end of the season, but the Cowboy's poor form has forced his hand earlier than expected. Quite an unfortunate turn-around for the man who has helped build the Cowboys into a dominant force over the last three seasons.

The Warriors once again failed to make any sort of impact away from home, as they were pounced on by the Penrith Panthers, who ran away with a 48-22 victory. If the Warriors can't find a way to win in Australia, their hopes for a top eight finish will fade rapidly - it just isn't enough to win only your home games in the NRL.

In Monday night action the Canberra Raiders went Bunny hunting, and came away with a solid 38-10 win at home. The South Sydney boys looked ordinary, and their defense was almost non-existent. After such a great year in 2007 it seems as though the Rabbitohs are falling into old habits (whipping boy, anyone?). Coach Jason Taylor must be starting to sweat, despite calls that his job is safe.

In player news, Brett Kimmorley is on the move again - this time to the Bulldogs, where he'll take up a contract as of 2009. This will be his sixth club in the NRL, having already played for the Newcastle Knights, Hunter Mariners (who no longer exist), the Melbourne Storm, the Northern Eagles (now the Manly Sea Eagles), and the Cronulla Sharks.

Brett Hodgson is on the move to the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League, while Mark "Piggy" Riddell is also off to England, where he'll front up for Wigan. Two big losses for the NRL, and for us League fans - best of luck, boys.

Finally - here's how your teams went in Round 10:

Titans 24-20 Bulldogs
Roosters 32-12 Eels
Sharks 13-6 Broncos
Sea Eagles 38-6 Cowboys
Dragons 36-12 Storm
Panthers 46-22 Warriors
Tigers 38-26 Knights
Raiders 38-10 Rabbitohs