In the last five years, six State of Origin games have had their outcomes impacted by the success of the goal-kicking, that's more than one game in every series.

NSW could have forced golden point in game one of 2013, 2014 and 2016 and game two of 2017 had their kicking been perfect and Queensland's remained as it was.

They could have won game one of 2015 had their conversion rate been perfect and Queensland's remained unchanged.

As for Queensland, in Origin III, 2016 they could have taken the game into extra time after 80 minutes had their own kicking been perfect.

In 2018 these stats could have significantly more impact on Queensland, given the fact that they only have part-time goal kickers in their side – their best being Ben Hunt, Valentine Homes and Cameron Munster.

Meanwhile, in the sky-blue jerseys Nathan Cleary, James Maloney and Latrell Mitchell will all be having shootouts in camp to decide who has kicking duty on the night, but Maloney is in the box seat.

With Origin I rarely being a blow-out, goal-kicking could prove vital for both New South Wales and Queensland but of all the possible kickers, only Maloney has goal-kicking experience on the representative stage.

At Penrith Maloney has done the bulk of the goal-kicking this season, slotting 44 goals from 51 attempts at 86%, while Cleary is close to 92% success rate in 2018 but has only had 12 attempts at goal, of which 11 were successful.

As for the Queensland goal kickers, Dragons halfback Hunt has kicked 25 of 36 this year, Munster has made both of his attempts for Melbourne while Sharks winger Holmes kicked 10 from 12 in 2017 but has yet to attempt a shot at goal in 2018.

Witness Australia's greatest sporting rivalry when Origin comes to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, June 6. Bronze tickets available from $49 here.