May 31st, 2017

NSW might be favourites for the State of Origin opener but Queensland should never be underestimated. (AAP)

May 31st, 2017

Before NSW fans celebrate victory and start making plans to get their photo taken with the State of Origin winner's shield, may I just temper your excitement with a few small words of warning.

Never underestimate the Queenslanders.

As we draw closer to the opening match of the 2017 Origin series, most of the commentary is now heavily slanted towards NSW not just winning tonight's match, but creating a "dynasty" with a long run of consecutive series wins.

The hardest part about creating a dynasty is winning the first series. We've only won one series in the past 11 seasons. Let's show we can win this one before we go getting too carried away with what may happen in the future.

In fact, forget about this series, let's just make sure the Blues get it right tonight, because this Queensland team isn't about to lie down and just hand it to the Blues.

The Maroons are now right back where they like to be. Underdogs. Written off. Given no chance.

Be careful people. You could be playing right into their hands with all this early celebration.

Newly-appointed NSW captain Boyd Cordner is one of the players tipped to make an impact in the opening State of Origin match. (AAP)

This Queensland squad bears little resemblance to the champion teams of previous seasons. No Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Jonathan Thurston, Matt Scott or Corey Parker. That's a massive drain on experience and talent levels.

However, they haven't replaced these guys with duds. More importantly, they have replaced them with Queenslanders. Kids who have grown up only ever wanting to play with one team: Queensland.

They will proudly wear their State colours and walk in the foot-steps of all those great Queenslanders of the past. They will see this as their time to carry the baton and uphold the spirit of their State and their passionate supporters.

Be warned my dear Blue friends. Underestimate this Queensland mentality at your peril.

Don't get me wrong, I fully expect this NSW team to win tonight, which will represent a giant leap towards winning this year's series. But I can assure you, I'm talking absolutely nothing for granted.

This game is about respect. You have to respect your opponent on every play, every minute, for the full 80 minutes, three times over, if you want to carry the winner's shield.

If at anytime you dare to disrespect a Queenslander, well, let's just say you will be inviting disappointment into your life.

Queensland will play with great passion and energy. With Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk calling the shots, we know this team will not beat itself. NSW will have to everything right if they are to get the result.

I think NSW will win this game through the strength, mobility and versatility of our forwards. Boyd Cordner and Josh Jackson are great worker. Tyson Frizell has tremendous impact.

NSW will have to be on their toes when livewire five-eighth Anthony Milford makes his debut for Queensland. (AAP)

I believe the NSW bench players will play a big part on securing this win. NSW is much stronger from the bench than Queensland. Just how Coach Laurie Daley uses his interchange could have a huge bearing on the result.

Wade Graham and Jack Bird could prove to be match-winners.

The only dangers I see in this Queensland team are Darius Boyd and Anthony Milford.

The Blues should be well prepared for the attacking options Boyd brings to the table.

Milford will only have an impact if the game loosens up and the NSW boys get lazy or start to tire. That should be the Blues defensive focus. Keep coming after your opponents. Don't give them time and room to move. Restrict the offloads. If the Blues are diligent in this regard, I can't see Milford having too much impact on the play.

Still, it's easy to talk about his stuff. It's much harder to get out there in the heat of battle and execute.

I'm predicting a very tight first hour of play. I honestly believe the Blues might just pull away from them at the back end of the contest.

NSW 25

QLD 12

But please, heed my warning. Never underestimate a Queenslander. It's not over, until it's over.

Enjoy your Origin football everyone.