Why Matty Johns is “super confident” NSW will win 2024 Origin Series

Former NSW Blues playmaker Matty Johns has revealed his pick for the 2024 State of Origin Series, selecting his state to get the job done courtesy of the coaching of Michael Maguire.

‘Madge’ has had a rollercoaster month leading into his first chance as coach of NSW, after losing a handful of the state’s best players to injury in the build-up to Game I.

Losing players like Nathan Cleary, Cameron Murray and more recently Dylan Edwards, Maguire’s premiership-winning coaching ability will be put to its highest test on Wednesday night.

Despite the severe injury toll, Johns believes that Maguire’s training methods and coaching philosophies could be the X-factor in returning the shield back to the Blues.

“I’m so confident,” Johns said on SEN 1170’s The Run Home.

“I’m as confident as I’ve been. The last two series I’ve had that sense of impending doom.

“But this one, I’m just super confident the side will get it done.

“'Madge' is just thorough, the more time he spends with the side the better they go, hence the evidence with the New Zealand side.

“I’m confident we’re going to win this series.”

Johns singled out Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas as his player to watch this series, backing the imposing forward to make a statement in the 2024 fixture.

“You’ve got the big bloke, Payne Haas, coming off the back of that (the backline),” Johns added.

“I think this’ll be Haas’ Origin series.”

NSW hosts Queensland on Wednesday at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Catch all the coverage on SEN live from 7pm with parochial Blues and Maroons calls, and a neutral call all available for the game.