Queensland out to defy State of Origin expectations against heavily favoured NSW

State of Origin is so often about Queensland but more so than anytime in recent series this year is all about the Maroons. It is about Billy Slater and a raft of debutants. It is even about the Blues diverging from recent style to react to Queensland’s team selections.

Not since Paul Vautin have Queensland handed the reins to a coach without any experience at a senior level. That masterstroke in 1995 led to arguably the most iconic series win in the 42-year history of Origin. This time around Maroons fans are frothing at the prospect of a similarly memorable victory.

Slater and Vautin could hardly be more different: Slater, the skilful speedster who set the league alight with blistering pace and supreme vision that led to some of the most spectacular moments the game has see; and Vautin, the rambunctious redhead as renowned for his workrate on the paddock as he was for playing the clown off it. Their key similarity, though, is what is exciting the Queensland faithful – the undying respect gained from achievement in a golden era of Queensland rugby league.

When Vautin took the reins of a young and inexperienced side missing many regulars thanks to the sanctions of the Super League war, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest warriors to have donned a maroon jersey. What he lacked in technical coaching expertise, he made up for in raw passion and an ability to unite a ragtag group.

The circumstances are different this year, but Slater will be relying on a similar ethos. After the Paul Green experiment that sought technical expertise rather than follow-me leadership, the Maroons powerbrokers are expecting Slater to inspire and unite as much as attempt to technically break down or outsmart New South Wales.

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