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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape

It’s still Blues v Maroons but State of Origin looks different this year

Maroons Billy Slater Origin State of Origin Ethan Strange Kalyn Ponga Laurie Daley Sam Walker Reece Walsh Cameron Munster
Queensland Maroons Coach Billy Slater speaks during a press conference with media
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater speaks to the media ahead of State of Origin game one against NSW Blues at Accor Stadium. Photograph: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Queensland is missing rugby league’s most famous face. The Blues have been robbed of their lucky charm. Both enter game one of State of Origin in Sydney on Wednesday night with rookie halves, under new rules set to change how the teams are picked and how the game is played.

It might still be Maroons v Blues, but make no mistake: rugby league’s showpiece looks different this year.

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