State of Origin series

With Origin I on June 9 shifted from Melbourne to Townsville due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria, NSW have to travel to Queensland for the opening two matches of the series for the first time since 1982 – and are aiming to do what the Max Krillich-led Blues could not.

Featuring the likes of Ray Price, Steve Mortimer and Craig Young, the 1982 team won the first Origin at Lang Park 20-16 but lost the second game at the same venue, with the Maroons winning 11-7 after a late Paul Vautin try.

The Blues were again beaten 10-5 in the series decider at the SCG.

 Scores were locked at 20-all in the final minute on Wednesday when Blake Ferguson tiptoed the sideline, then found Tedesco for his second try of the night.

It came after Queensland forward Josh Papalii crossed in the 77th minute and debutant Ethan Lowe nailed a pressure conversion to level the game.

The dramatic finish ended a run of seven straight defeats in Origin deciders for the Blues, dating back to the start of the Maroons' dynasty in 2006.

It is also Mitchell Pearce's first series win over Queensland in eight attempts.

That is according to teammate Matt Gillett who believes the 27-year-old will be out to make up for his seven-minute stint in Brisbane's 42-12 thrashing at the hands of the Melbourne Storm in Round 17. 

McGuire was knocked unconscious during that match, copping the hip of Storm prop Jesse Bromwich in a sickening clash that ended his night prematurely.