A new era dawns in State of Origin, as Michael Maguire takes over as Head Coach of the NSW Blues. With the Blues set to host Game 1 at Accor Stadium, Madge will be desperate to kick off his tenure with a win.
What better way to get into the game, than launching a few teams in Draftstars, which has a massive $40,000 contest for the first game of the series, with the winner set to pocket a cool $3,915. With several other contests available, there’s a contest for everyone, so get involved and make this game even more interesting!
NRL 2024 DAILY FANTASY TIPS: STATE OF ORIGIN 1
Team News
The Blues come into the first game of the series with a team boasting five debutants in their 17, which could have been six if not for the exclusion of fullback Dylan Edwards, who unluckily went down at training with a quad strain. Madge sent out the SOS to James Tedesco, whom he famously dropped just days prior, to come in and deputise at fullback. There are several other changes from the Blues’ game 3 squad last season, with Josh Addo-Carr, Bradman Best, Cody Walker, Mitch Moses, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Damien Cook, Cam Murray, Keaon Koloamatangi, Jacob Saifiti, and Clint Gutherson all moving on. Concerning turnover for a team that is once again the underdog going in.
As for the Maroons, they have just one debutant, with Eels’ J’Maine Hopgood earning a bench spot for Origin 1. There has been some turnover from game 3 last season, with AJ Brimson missing out due to Reece Walsh returning to the team. Cam Munster is out injured, replaced by Tom Dearden. In the forwards, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, and Corey Horsburgh make way for Jaydn Su’A, Selwyn Cobbo, and Hopgood.
Markets
NSW Blues - $2.05
Qld Maroons - $1.79
Total O/U – 36.5
Looking to place a wager or two on Wednesday night’s clash? Make sure to check out our full Origin Game 1 Betting Preview! Our experts have you covered with a match prediction and heaps of fun player props that represent great value.
Best Fantasy Plays
As the total illustrates, points are expected to be at a premium in game 1. When this is the case, you are looking for workers in your forward pack, prominent field position kickers in your halves, and x-factor backs who are the highest chance at scoring tries.
Whilst the Blues are only small underdogs in this one, it’s hard to see them getting the win here. This Queensland team is familiar with one another, experienced in these situations, and well coached by Billy Slater. The Blues must win game 1, or the series is likely over, but if I had to have a bet on the game, head says Maroons, heart says Blues.
Love It – Brian To’o - $10,580
The three-time Premiership winner has shown he is more than capable at this level. With a backline consisting of largely untested players at this level, Michael Maguire will be looking towards Bizza to lead by example at the back. Will get his metres, and if he can jag a try, he will be the highest scoring OB in game 1.
Love It – Nicho Hynes - $19,150
This is a massive rocks or diamonds choice, and when you’re stumping up this sum you desperately need a diamonds display. Hynes has been confirmed as the goal kicker, which helps his upside, and he should be the number one general play kicking option with Luai being used sparingly even at club level. Hynes has the pedigree to once again dominate in Draftstars, but can he get over the hump in Origin? Time will tell.
Love It – Lindsay Collins - $8.980
Starting from rower who can play big minutes and find the try line for under $9k? Sign me up. Whilst Collins won’t get the minutes or workload of either Carrigan or Cotter, he should still play 45 minutes in the middle and get through enough work to justify a selection at this price. Has shown he is more than capable of handling the Origin cauldron, punching out 40+ minutes in all three games last season.
Hate It – Daly Cherry-Evans - $17,930
The Queensland halfback will surely get his points as the sides main general play kicker; however, he is far more a general these days in Origin games and will likely take a backseat to the likes of Walsh, Grant, and Dearden when it comes to creating attacking plays. For the price, I’d far prefer an elite forward, or Nicho Hynes at just over $1,000 more.
Hate It – Liam Martin - $9,680
The Blues’ enforcer is made for Origin; however, his season has been largely underwhelming for the Panthers this year. As a Panthers’ fan, it seems obvious to me that Martin is not 100% fit, and the speed and intensity of Origin is not the place to find your fitness. With three back rowers on the bench, Martin’s minutes are likely to be low, especially if he isn’t punching holes in the defensive line early in this contest.
Who Knows – James Tedesco - $17,320
Teddy is one of the best to ever do it for the Blues, but where is his head going into game 1? After being unceremoniously dumped and stripped of his captaincy, Tedesco answered a call at the 11th hour to come in and wear the number 1 jersey again. He must surely feel that his hold on the jersey is only temporary, with Dylan Edwards expected to be fit for game 2. It’s a terrible situation for Tedesco, however he should be looking at this game as one last hurrah to show what he means to NSW.
Suggested Draftstars Lineup
