The anticipation for the State of Origin series is palpable as the NSW Blues prepare for a critical opener against the QLD Maroons.
After clinching Game 1 last year, the Blues faltered in Games 2 and 3 held in Perth and Sydney, ramping up the stakes this year.
While the Blues are favored, such predictions mean little when top players from both sides clash on the field.
New South Wales is expected to exhibit more attacking prowess, yet with coach Laurie Daley facing scrutiny and dealing with a last-minute injury, uncertainty clouds their preparations.
Conversely, Queensland's Billy Slater has chosen to continue his strategy of surprises, notably dropping a key player while introducing intriguing debuts and omitting a standout performer.
Despite the changes, Queensland managed to thrive last year even after captain Daly Cherry-Evans was dropped just one game into the series, demonstrating their resilience.
With the upcoming Game 2 in a traditionally Queensland-heavy Melbourne and Game 3 back in Brisbane, betting against them would be a bold move.
NSW Blues
1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To'o, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Tolutau Koula, 18. Ethan Strange, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Haumole Olakau'atu, 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Victor Radley, 16. Jacob Saifiti, 17. Blayke Brailey, 18. Casey McLean, 21. Matt Burton
Laurie Daley has made several pivotal decisions, starting with James Tedesco reclaiming his position from Dylan Edwards.
In addition, Kotoni Staggs steps in for the injured Latrell Mitchell, and Tolutau Koula is set to make his debut on the wing while Casey McLean remains on the bench.