It takes a rare breed of footballer to reach Origin standard, but an even more select group can then dream of claiming man-of-the-match honours.
With the opening match of the 2021 series taking place in Townsville on Wednesday night, attention turns to who will prove the best of the best.
After a majority of experts backed the Blues to win the match last week, it comes as no shock that NSW players dominate this list.
Experts' view - Origin I Man of the Match
Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)
With a history-making Queensland win in Townsville, watch for Cameron Munster to take out the award. It seems like Origin football was made for him. He's ready for something special.
Brett Kimmorley (Former Test halfback)
Nathan Cleary. His kicking game will build pressure on the Maroons and his goal-kicking will be just as important. Heading into his fourth Origin series, he knows exactly what to expect.
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Jamie Soward (2010 premiership winner)
Isaah Yeo. His workrate plus decision-making skills will be key for the Blues. He's been doing it for a while in club football and no he's ready to do it on the Origin scene.
Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers great)
James Tedesco. Expect a skipper's knock from a brilliant No.1. The back five of the Blues will prove the difference and Tedesco will be the best of that group of match-winners.
Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)
Tom Trbojevic has been in incredible form for the Sea Eagles and has shown that he is not only a game-changer himself but also improves those around him. If NSW are to win Game I, Trbojevic will be a big reason why.
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Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)
Jake Trbojevic is a playmaker in a front-rower’s body and the speed of Origin in dry conditions in Townsville will suit his ball-playing skills. He's due for something special.
Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)
Remember when the Maroons were worried about who would take over the No.9 jersey in the post-Cameron Smith era. They are no longer concerned - Harry Grant has the talent to be Queensland's rake for many years and he showed on debut last season that he's no shrinking violet when wearing Maroon in the interstate arena.
Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)
James Tedesco’s last Origin appearance in Queensland wasn’t so enjoyable but on a dry track expect him to put in a huge performance to start the series.
Paul Zalunardo (NRL.com senior journalist)
Cameron Munster. Put simply, he's the best player in this match and if his side wins he will be a major contributor. The knockabout exterior masks a tremendous competitor who has got all the skills.
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Dan Walsh (NRL.com reporter)
James Tedesco. Never far away from best of ground and could well be the backline threat that cashes in most from the Panthers halves pairing that has helped Dylan Edwards to career-best form out west.
Martin Lenehan (NRL.com senior journalist)
Cameron Munster hasn’t played for five weeks but that will only make him hungrier and more determined to get the Maroons’ campaign off to a winning start. Knows what it takes to perform on the big stage and he’ll revel in the unique atmosphere of Townsville's first ever Origin game.
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Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)
Like the Valley Girls from California in the 1980s, Felise Kaufusi will be feeling tripendicular in Townsville. Kaufusi received the green light to play Origin after beating a tripping charge at the judiciary and the Storm forward will be ready to roll. Kaufusi is a proven performer at Origin level doing the tough work in the middle of the park and don’t surprised if he scores off a Cameron Munster grubber.
Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)
Nathan Cleary. The Panthers halfback is yet to really dominate at Origin level but is at the top of his game. With his regular halves partner Jarome Luai on Origin debut, it will be up to Cleary to stand tall. I’m expecting him to do exactly that.
Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)
With a fast, mobile pack to play behind, NSW hooker Damien Cook will recapture top form and produce his lethal running game to inspire a Blues win.
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Lone Scout (NRL.com Fantasy guru)
Having tipped the Blues to win I’ll take a predictable option and go with halfback Nathan Cleary. His game can be the difference in a tight tussle and he can also be the catalyst of a big win.
Kenny Scott (NRL.com podcaster)
All signs point to a Blues win and it will be due in part to the dynamic work of a refreshed Tom Trbojevic. A move into the centres for Origin will see him absorbing less hits, giving him extra energy in attack. His impressive club form (eight tries and 12 try assists in seven games) will carry over to the Origin stage.
Alexa (Your Trusted Voice Assistant and Footy Fan)
It’s always close when the cockroaches and cane toads clash, but I think NSW have a stronger spine this year. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, try saying, “Alexa, who will win the State of Origin?” If you don’t have one yet, you can grab one here .
With the NRL Alexa skill, you can sign up for match reminders, catch the latest news and listen live to every match of the season, including State of Origin. Just say, “Alexa, open NRL”
Secure your seat to witness the power of Origin’s rivalry at NRL Tickets
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARL Commission, NRL clubs or state associations.
