Michael Maguire’s best-laid plans went out the window in the opening 10 minutes of Game 1 when Joseph Suaalii was sent off for his KO high shot on Reece Walsh.
The experienced Queensland halves then set about picking through the gaps in the Blues defence, despite some spirited work from New South Wales in front of a deflated home crowd.
In the end, the Maroons ran out 38-10 winners to give them a huge boost in their mission to retain the State of Origin shield.
Maguire is unlikely to make drastic changes for Game 2 at the MCG on June 26, but Blues fans can expect some movement, forced or otherwise.
Here’s how we predict they’ll line up later this month:
New South Wales Blues predicted team list for Game 2
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Isaah Yeo
15. Haumole Olakau’atu
16. Spencer Leniu
17. Matt Burton
Blues team news:
Dylan Edwards will try to prove his fitness this week after being a late withdrawal from Game I due to a quad injury he picked up in training.
The fullback will likely replace James Tedesco if he gets through the Penrith game against Newcastle unscathed.
Joseph Suaalii endured a horror debut after becoming just the sixth player in Origin history to be sent from the field.
In his absence, Latrell Mitchell could earn a recall at left centre after being on fire in recent weeks. Although Bradman Best and Jesse Ramien are also believed to be in the mix.
Zac Lomax was impressive on debut and is assured of keeping his spot after the hamstring injury to Josh Addo-Carr.
Mitch Moses is back on deck after missing two months of the season due to a foot injury. Nicho Hynes and Jarome Luai were picked in the halves but will face pressure from the Parramatta halfback after underwhelming displays in Origin I. 
Jake Trbojevic was only used for 30 minutes across two stints in the middle after being named skipper but will remain up front.
Reece Robson got through the full game at hooker and came up with a number of big defensive plays to likely keep Api Koroisau at bay.
Liam Martin will return from an ankle issue he picked up in Origin I, while Cameron Murray made his return for South Sydney and could force his way into the side.
Matt Burton may be promoted from 18th man and given a spot on the bench for his ability to cover in the centres and in the halves after the side struggled to adapt their defensive structures after Suaalii’s send-off.
Hudson Young may be the man to miss out on the pine after a quiet display in the opening game
