Stat of Origin: Why left is right way to go in attack

Queensland may be refusing to mention the words "New South Wales" and "Blues" before Origin I but behind the scenes they'll be aware of the attacking threat James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr possess on the left edge.

NRL.com Stats crunched the numbers to show which channels work best for each state with an obvious trend emerging for both sides.

The Maroons lead on 25 tries over the past 15 games in Origin down the left channel, while the Blues have also favoured the left side.

The combination of Greg Inglis and Darius Boyd played a large part in the high number and that trend only looks set to continue with Corey Oates, Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga sweeping around during the 2019 series.

NSW found success last season in Origin II in particular with tries to Mitchell, Addo-Carr and NSW skipper Boyd Cordner on the left side of the paddock.

Queensland centre Will Chambers is expected to remain on the right edge in defending Mitchell with the Blues destined to test him for a consecutive year.

Chambers was dominated by Mitchell throughout the 2018 series. Likewise, NSW have called upon veteran player Josh Morris to try and handle the potency of Ponga and Munster out wide.

Whoever can stop the opposition's left edge is likely to go a long way to victory.

Both states aren't as effective in try-scoring down the right channels. Queensland (15) outdo the Blues (10) but NSW have the upper hand in the middle of the field.