New South Wales vs Queensland RL Predictions: Blues look to make most of Sydney advantage

The 2024 State of Origin series begins on Wednesday morning (11:05am) as New South Wales and Queensland meet at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Queensland are seeking a third successive series win after victories in 2022 and 2023, although NSW did triumph 24-10 in the final game of last year’s State of Origin series.

The Maroons have dominated in recent years with 14 wins in the last 18 series, meaning they hold an all-time lead of 24 wins to New South Wales’ 16. However, the teams are level at 3-3 over the last six years and Queensland are only slight favourites in the series betting at 8/11, with the Blues priced at 1/1.

New South Wales vs Queensland RL Match Odds

Teams news

There is a new-look feel about this New South Wales outfit, as they have a new head coach in Michael Maguire, a new captain in Jake Trbojevic and five new faces in their squad for the series.

In contrast, Queensland coach Billy Slater is gearing up for his third series and they have just three uncapped players in their squad.

The Blues called up James Tedesco as a late replacement for injury victim Dylan Edwards, while Nicho Hynes is available following concerns over a calf issue.

Queensland hooker Harry Grant was rated as a doubt after missing training last week but is understood to be fit to start.

Match odds

Queensland are the slight favourites to draw first blood at 4/5 to emerge victorious in the match winner (80 minute) market. A win for New South Wales is 11/10 and a tie can be backed at 16/1.

New South Wales to win match winner (80 minutes) @ 11/10

Queensland are clearly the more settled side here, but the absence of Cameron Munster, who has been ruled out for the entire series with an adductor tendon injury, is a blow and it could be worth opposing the favourites here.

NSW will feel they have a point to prove after back-to-back series defeats and their new look squad should be hungry to make an impression under coach Maguire.

Home advantage also gives the Blues a bit of an edge here and a big performance from Tedesco should perhaps be expected and could give them a further boost in their bid for victory.

Tedesco has been in good form for club side Sydney Roosters and his initial omission from the Origin  squad came as a bit of a surprise - the 31-year-old will be keen to show he deserves to keep his place in the side and he has the quality to help guide New South Wales to a series opening win.

Reece Walsh anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

Queensland back Reece Walsh made his Origin debut last year but is still waiting for his first try as he prepares to win his third cap.

The 21-year-old can break his scoring duck in the series opener as he comes into the game after an impressive season so far with Brisbane.

Walsh has nine tries in as many games for the Broncos this season - putting him in sixth place in the NRL scoring charts - and he looks a good value option for an anytime effort on Wednesday.

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.