ORIGIN I: The 2017 Edition

Brace yourselves, the return of State of Origin is almost upon us.

Yes, those brutal six weeks where Queenslanders bitterly despise those below the border and New South Welsh people continually complain that some aspect of the game is rigged.

We are all aware of the State versus State mentality that is bred into the population of rugby league heartland. It fosters an environment where people proudly wear their states colour and are not afraid to show their dislike for the opposition. Sledging, even off the field by spectators, is widely encouraged adding to the hype surrounding those three 80 minute games.

This year, we Queenslanders are fortunate enough to host two of the games at Suncorp Stadium, or what is commonly referred to as 'the Cauldron'. The 52,000 capacity venue - plus room for those eager stragglers - will cater for all of the glory that Origin has to offer, from brutal hit-ups to the overly enthusiastic crowd. Expect big things as Origin looks to be better than ever in the 2017 season.

While team lists haven't been confirmed, I have a strong feeling that Queensland great and current coach, Kevin Walters would have a fairly good idea of who he would like taking the field against the Blues on the 31st May. On the other hand, Laurie Daley has some tough decisions to face following the representative retirement of Blues captain Paul Gallen last year. Despite missing their lock forward, there are plenty of emerging players to fill Gallen's shoes.

In Daley's past five series as coach of the Blues, the team has only recorded one series win, in 2014. That is not an impressive record considering the dominance that New South Wales had prior to the 2003 series. On the other hand, Kevin Walters has walked into a flourishing dynasty, filled with some of the games next immortals. Not only does the Queensland side have some of the games living legends, their younger generation is booming with talent waiting to be selected.

So, as the start of Origin I 2017 is almost upon us, I have named by 19 man sides for both teams, with a few possible shock additions. First up, the mighty Queensland Maroons:

1. Darius Boyd

2. Corey Oates

3. Will Chambers

4. Dane Gagai

5. Valentine Holmes

6. Johnathan Thurston

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jarrod Wallace

9. Cameron Smith (c)

10. Nate Myles

11. Matt Gillett

12. Sam Thaiday

13. Josh McGuire

14. Michael Morgan/ Anthony Milford

15. Aiden Guerra

16. Gavin Cooper

17. Dylan Napa

18. Jacob Lillyman/ Ethan Lowe

19. Billy Slater

This team seems the most legible team to take the field. Darius Boyd at fullback is a no-brainer for me, regardless of how much I love Billy Slater. Boyd has shown why he deserves his place as Australian and Queensland fullback, playing a key component in defence as well as attack. Corey Oates, Will Chambers and Dane Gagai all make returns to the side following strong performances either at club level or in other representative games. Valentine Holmes is now an Australian winger and a premiership winning player, which makes the decision to select him that much stronger, especially following the loss of Greg Inglis in the centres.

Cronk and JT, well what else can you say. Their pairing combination has gone from strength to strength, despite only playing approximately five games together each year.

The inclusion of Jarrod Wallace up front is one position that I am not certain on, despite playing well for the Titans, I am not sure that he is ready for Origin, but then again, Origin brings out the best in players. The hooker, Cameron Smith, well, nothing else is needed to be said! Nate Myles despite only averaging 30 minutes a game, finds something extra when Origin time swings around, wanting to do his best for his mates and his state. The trio of Gillett, Thaiday and McGuire upfront complete my run on side, with the three Broncos players combining strongly at whichever level they are playing at.

On the bench, I'm not sure who should get the number 14 jersey: Morgan or Milford. Both have been playing well at club level and both have got strong combinations with other players in the team, so that decision will well and truly be one that is up in the air. Guerra, Cooper and Napa are strong players for their clubs, and like Myles find something extra for Origin.

There you have my Queensland side, lets see if they can bag another victory this year.

Up next, the Blues:

1. James Tedesco

2. Blake Ferguson

3. James Roberts

4. Michael Jennings

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. James Maloney

7. Mitchel Pearce

8. Arron Woods

9. Robbie Farah

10. Andrew Fafita

11. Boyd Cordner

12. Wade Graham

13. Tyson Frizell

14. Nathan Cleary

15. Ryan James

16. Trent Merrin

17. David Klemmer

18. Bryce Cartwright

19. Jack Bird

Speed. That is the only word that I can use to describe the Blues back line that I have selected. Roberts and Addo-Carr would have to be the fastest players in the league at the moment, and putting them into one side, with the furness of Tedesco, and experience of Ferguson and Jennings would only allow them to excel, literally.

Maloney and Pearce, the two have history and not a bad history at that. Having steered the Roosters to a premiership in 2013, the two parted ways but have found their best form at their respective

clubs during the 2017 season. Partnering them together again this year would provide stability to Daley's side, in their biggest play making roles.

While the backs had speed, the forwards have grunt and muscle. Put them all together, you have a fairly strong (again literally) chance at performing well. Not only are each of them determined, they aren't afraid to get in their oppositions face and niggle their way to victory.

Off the bench, I think Nathan Cleary would be a good young inclusion to the side, having speed and his biggest asset, his ability to read and understand the game. These talents would only flourish under the likes of Maloney and Pearce. Ryan James is ready for his time in the lime-light, with the same strengths as Merrin, Klemmer and all of the other forwards in my Blues line up.

So there you have it. My teams to take the field on the 31st of May. While I still think Queensland will win, if Laurie Daley fields a team like the one that I have chosen, I think that the Blues have a very strong chance at claiming first blood.

Who makes the cut for you and the big question of them all, who do you think will win the first State versus State battle for 2017?

*Photos from NRL.com