A LOOK AT WHERE STATE OF ORIGIN I WILL BE WON AND LOST
WHY QUEENSLAND WILL WIN
* LETHAL LEFT EDGE
The Maroons' left flank looks formidable, boasting Kalyn Ponga, Cameron Munster, Michael Morgan and Corey Oates. They'll also be running at a new-look NSW right side.
* THE CAULDRON
The Maroons have the home town advantage at Suncorp Stadium, where they have won 35 of 55 games. Importantly, the series doesn't head to NSW until game three.
* NSW HAVE THE BLUES
For months it has looked like Queensland were a side on the ropes but NSW have been hammered by injury with the likes of Luke Keary, Mitchell Pearce, Adam Reynolds, Tom Trbojevic, Jack Bird and Joey Leilua all out.
WHY NSW WILL WIN
* GO FORWARD
Props David Klemmer (171m per game), Paul Vaughan (138m) and Payne Haas (167m) are all in the top 10 forwards for metres gained this year and unless someone can stop them they will lay a platform for the likes of James Tedesco, Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.
* COOK GOES TO ANOTHER LEVEL
While it didn't seem possible elusive hooker Damien Cook has taken his game to a new level this year, adding a kicking game and coming up with more try assists than any player in the competition (16).
* THE BENCH
While it is often overlooked, the Blues have named the stronger bench and will lose nothing when Payne Haas, Cameron Murray, Angus Crichton and Jack Wighton come on.
