The highly anticipated 2021 State of Origin series kicks off on Wednesday night, with Queensland and New South Wales set for battle in Townsville.
With the inaugural series dating back to 1982, we’ve seen memorable clashes and heroes made, and SEN host Andrew Voss detailed some of the key stats heading into Game I tonight.
“Tonight marks the 121st game under the Origin format, New South Wales have won 54, Queensland has won 64, there have been two draws – there won’t be any more draws these days with golden point and extra time,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“In Queensland, there have been 59 Origins played, New South Wales have won only 19, Queensland have 39 victories and one draw.
“The average score line over the previous 120 games – if you want to know how close it is – Queensland 17, New South Wales 16. That’s over a 120-game history.
“Relevant to tonight, in Origin matches played outside of Sydney or Brisbane, this will be the 13th occasion that has happened – and New South Wales hold the advantage seven to five.
“As you know Queensland are the defending champions, having recorded a 2-1 series win post the NRL season last year, and for those dabbling in series result betting – it is worth noting that we’ve gone 10 straight years with a 2-1 result.
“As a matter of fact, there has only been one series clean sweep in the last 20 years, that was the Maroons in 2010.
“How important is winning the series opener? Well, in the last 20 years, the team winning Game 1, has won the series 13 times.
“Defeat, while not fatal tonight, the job is a tough one.”
With the statistics laid bare, Voss detailed his prediction for tonight’s big game.
“At the end of the day, statistics are a record of the past, not a prediction of the future, that’s where we all have our ten cents worth,” Voss said.
“I’m tipping the Blues to win tonight, I’m expecting plenty of points 30 points to 22 the score line, first try to the Fox – Josh Addo Carr, and man of the match the halfback Nathan Cleary … oh, and by the way, two sin-bins as well.
“Enjoy Origin, it is always superb sporting theatre, the best sport on the planet.”
The State of Origin series opener is set to kick off at 8:10pm tonight (AEST).