New South Wales ready to end Origin hoodoo in Brisbane

Game three
Premier Sports, 11am Wednesday

It all boils down to this.

Eighty minutes of ferocious rugby league separate either Queensland or New South Wales from State of Origin glory in Brisbane on Wednesday morning.

Lifting the Origin shield has been an alien feeling for New South Wales skippers over the last decade. Only Blues enforcer Paul Gallen in 2014 has got his hands on the famous interstate trophy since 2006 but bookmakers believe current captain Boyd Cordner will be hoisting the famous trophy aloft come full-time at Suncorp Stadium.

New South Wales were thoroughly dominant in game one, romping to a 28-4 triumph at Suncorp courtesy of an explosive display from their giant forward pack.

A series victory was within their grasp at half-time of game two in Sydney as they led 16-6, with little hint of what was to come after the break.

Given the number of times Johnathan Thurston has been the thorn in their side over the last 12 series, it should come as no surprise that he inspired Queensland to an 18-16 victory but it was a missed opportunity nonetheless.

There will be no Thurston in Brisbane, however, as he suffered a recurrence of the shoulder injury that kept him out of game one and brings a premature end to his Origin career.

New South Wales have no such problems and coach Laurie Daley keeps faith with the same 17 men who began the series - the first time the same 17 have played all three games for the Blues since 1996.

Over the first two games they have demonstrated that they are the more powerful side and possess more players who have the potential to blow the game wide open, especially in the forwards.

Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Jake Trbojevic have all made telling contributions in the series, laying the foundations for their halves and three-quarter line to play off.

The forward battle will undoubtedly be key to determining which side walk away with the series victory and in that area in particular, the Blues look to hold the advantage.

Recommendation
New South Wales -2
2pts Evs bet365

Already advised
New South Wales to win series 2-1
3pts 6-4 May 31