KEY POINTS:
Key match ups ahead of game one of the State of Origin rugby league series tomorrow between Queensland and New South Wales:
Karmichael Hunt (Queensland) v Anthony Minichiello (NSW)
This time it's personal. Hunt benefited most from Minichiello's back injury last year, stealing his Australian Test jersey and retaining it for the Anzac Test this year. But Minichiello is starting to rediscover his golden touch and outshining Hunt in Origin would be a big step towards redemption. Both float around the ruck, are dangerous in attack and solid under the high ball.
Johnathan Thurston (Queensland) v Jarrod Mullen (NSW)
Thurston has taken over Andrew Johns' Test jumper while young Mullen is the heir apparent at Newcastle and now NSW winning the contentious halfback role. Thurston is in outstanding form and developing into a deceptive ball runner with exceptional speed. Mullen is only just starting to establish himself in the NRL but many believe he can handle the Origin pressure despite his inexperience.
Cameron Smith (Queensland) v Danny Buderus (NSW)
Buderus handed Smith a test jumper last year when he skipped the Tri Nations for the birth of his daughter. Now, he wants it back. Head to head little separates the two rakes. Both work tirelessly in defence and are scheming around the ruck. Smith is perhaps more dangerous because of his long kicking game and goalkicking ability. But Buderus has more big game experience.
Petero Civoniceva (Queensland) v Brett White (NSW)
White sledged Civoniceva and his Brisbane forward pack earlier this year and now faces retribution. The NSW rookie prop is enemy No 1 in Queensland and the entire Maroons pack, not just Civoniceva, are hunting for his head. However, big Petero isn't a dirty player and will likely make his point by doing the hard work he is renowned for while White has shown he is of Origin class with a starring performance in City-Country.
- AAP
