The State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night between Queensland and New South Wales promises to be a cliff hanger.
The Maroons go into the encounter without Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk from the days when the State was a dominant force.
But the selectors have still managed to put together a formidable combination under captain Daly Cherry Evans.
One of the most important confrontations will be between Queensland’s Will Chambers and the brilliant Latrell Mitchell at right centre.
The winner of their battle will have an important bearing on the outcome.
Even allowing for the use of a $5,500 an hour motivator by Queensland coach Kevin Walters the Blues under Boyd Cordner are expected to prove triumphant.
Blues by 6pts