This week on the Breakdown Matt Elliott looks at the strategy and key plays in the opening State of Origin contest at ANZ Stadium.

The veteran coach demonstrates how NSW continually looked to target Queensland's right-hand side defence and in particular looked to single out Cooper Cronk.

While the Blues' only try came through that channel, Elliott highlights how their attack was ineffective a lot of the time with half James Maloney getting slow ball behind the advantage line.

Their success came when Maloney was playing up in the advantage line and getting the ball one off the ruck with no forwards in the way, allowing him to get at Cronk and deliver the try on a platter to Boyd Cordner.