2015 State of Origin

Yeah well I don't really see it happening.

Don't be surprised if it's one of the Morris boys.

 

God I hope NSW pick Walker at some point next year.

 

Talk of Papalii moving up front for good. I don't see how that can happen at Canberra. Meninga will probably swallow it up hook, line and sinker though. I'm not too worried. He was good there for Australia in a side that was distinctly lacking in props. And he went well for Qld off the bench in the middle third. He's perfectly suited to play lock IMO.

As long as he isn't being picked as the only prop on the bench I'd actually be reasonably happy.

 

I was at the 2006 game - where Locky swooped on the loose ball and scored which began the streak.

The atmosphere felt weird - not like the fierce tribal crowd noise you'd usually get at a regular SOO match. It was just.....quieter than normal.

That said, its a great trip away with a few mates if you hit the town hard afterwards.

That 2006 game, a mate and I scored free flights, accommodation and tickets to the game courtesy of Ben Elias' brother. He runs a harbour cruise business which our company books annual Xmas parties with and we scored two trips as a "thanks for the regular business" type thing. There was a whole group of about 20 blokes and we went nuts in Crown Casino afterwards. Ex-NRL players Michael Buettner and Josh Stuart were part of our group too.

 

Usually before each series I am very nervous about being bested by the Blues. Very different feeling now. Call it wishful thinking but I think NSW are going to get badly beaten next year.