Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Smith has predictably handed the “favourites” tag to the NSW Blues, saying his once all-conquering team faced one of its greatest challenges in State of Origin I.
Smith backed Greg Inglis and fellow star centre Justin Hodges to be at their best in the series opener after a disrupted Gold Coast camp.
Smith said it was vital they drew first blood against the defending champion in Sydney in their bid to reclaim the Origin title.
The Maroons face the NSW Blues at 10pm Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Knights will face the Broncos at 9pm tonight.
Source: tvnz.co
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