It’s the Decider and it’s at Suncorp and the Maroons are favourites to win.
It’s taken until game three for the Maroons to be installed favourites. I have been saying they have been favourites all series.
The Blues have history against them. It’s back to the wall [Insert your favourite clique here].
It’s the old saying about how graceful a duck looks like on a lake. All graceful above the waterline and chaotic paddling underneath. Well, the Blues are the crazy legs and Billy Slater’s Maroons are all grace. As they have been all series.
The Maroons will field their strongest team of the series while the Blues have made more (and much needed) changes but continue to preserve with the Cleary/Moses combination when everyone knows Ethan Strange should be starting. Cam Murray coming off the bench when everyone knows he should be the starting lock. Everyone knows this except Coach Daley.
And that is the difference between the two teams. Coaching, selections and interchange.
You mention the NSW Blues or Laurie Daley north of the border and all you’ll hear are chuckles.
But favouritism doesn’t sit well with the Maroons. This is the unlosable series. Yet, there are still two teams playing and still two teams that can win it.
A lot of talk I hear from NSW FOGs is let’s do it for Loz. But, if they couldn’t do it last year, how will 2026 be any different?
We will find out after 80 minutes tonight.
Bo the Blues!
Maroons win by 8.
