Origin decider to go down to the wire - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Origin decider to go down to the wire

By Todd Balym 02/07/2008 06:01:40 AM Comments (0)

Queensland will seek a rare State of Origin three-peat on Wednesday night with victory over NSW in the series decider in Sydney.

The Maroons are just a victory away from winning their third straight series and will start as firm favourites at ANZ Stadium after their record-equalling 30-0 mauling in Brisbane three weeks ago in game two.

If the Maroons win again, they will become just the fifth team in Origin history to secure three straight series victories and it would be Queensland's first in almost two decades.

Queensland claimed a hat-trick of titles in 1982-84 and 1987-89 while NSW achieved the feat in 1992-94 and 2003-05.

NSW coach Craig Bellamy says he is confident the Blues have done all they can to reverse the embarrassing Origin II defeat but admits anxiety over the deciding clash.

"You're always thinking could we have done a little bit more and what can we do now to really top it off," said Bellamy.

"But you always think that every week so it doesn't change."

NSW skipper Danny Buderus will be chasing the perfect farewell to his incredible Origin career.

The inspirational hooker is assured of two records simply by taking the field as he passes the record for most consecutive games by a NSW player and most as captain.

Tonight will be Buderus's 21st consecutive appearance for NSW, passing Newcastle's Paul Harragon (20), and his 15th as captain, overtaking Brad Fittler (14).

A NSW victory would be Buderus's third series title as captain, equalling the record held by Laurie Daley, and his eighth Origin win which would also equal Fittler's record.

Bellamy says the players have spoken about the importance of the game to their devoted leader, but insists "doing it for `Bedsy'" is not the only motivation.

"We've obviously mentioned it but not overly focused on it," said Bellamy.

"Everyone knows the situation and everyone knows what he has done in his career and more importantly what he's done for NSW and what he's done of the guys he's played with.

"These guys have to go out and do it for all their teammates, not only Danny Buderus."

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