NRL Twitterverse looks to the lead up to 2017 State of Origin

WE’RE less than a week away from the opening game of State of Origin, but before what looms as the most even series in recent memory, there were a multitude of issues that sparked mass debate on social media.

The normally steadfast Queensland team got a bit of a shake up, which caused a stir on Twitter.

The team selection news was headlined by the notable omission of Melbourne superstar fullback Billy Slater.

Billy slater reads origin team pic.twitter.com/2065kV2DwT

— Ric Stuart (@Rick_Stuart07) May 22, 2017

The other shock call was the decision to leave superstar Shark Valentine Holmes out of the team.

One social media user believes it was a mistake and NSW will be thankful the electric duo will not suit up on Wednesday.

Billy Slater & Valentine Holmes missing from Qld team. Thank you, Qld selectors. Signed NSW. #origin

— Nez (@fraggle73) May 22, 2017

While those wounds are somewhat self-inflicted if Queensland do not win the opening game of the series, the news that Johnathan Thurston will be unavailable for Wednesday’s match is leaving the Maroons without arguably their best player.

@honkstar1974 @danniM1983 @petkovski643 @fosty82 @ScottRea @Rayka7 Qld no Thurston no Inglis if nsw can’t win now myth should retire

— TommyP (@Tommy2609) May 28, 2017

The confirmation that Thurston will not play in the opening Origin game has seen the odds swing violently in NSW’s favour.

NSW opened as the $2.10 outsiders at Ladbrokes to win game one, but since Thurston’s injury update a flood of money has come for the Blues, who are now the $1.88 favourites.

One league fan believes this is all an elaborate ruse by the typically dominant Queensland team to give two favourite sons an Origin to remember.

How is this #origin series going to pan out?

My guess, Blues pinch game 1.

Then enter JT & Slater return for fairytale finish. QLD 2-1.

— Joel Caine (@JoelCaine) May 25, 2017

One of the great stories of the Origin team announcements was league nice-guy Boyd Cordner being handed the Blues captaincy.

One Twitter user was quick to poke fun at the popular Rooster.

Boyd Cordner is really struggling with the pressure of being NSW captain. #Origin @SimpsonsNRL pic.twitter.com/LWZa1aY0iv

— Trent (@trentslatts) May 29, 2017

It is easy to see why the man is popular among fans of all teams.

Boyd Cordner apologises for not hating QLD enough. Hear from the new @NSWRL Blues skipper 5pm @channeltennews

— Adam Hawse (@AdamHawse) May 29, 2017

Some might argue Cordner’s admission flies in the face of what Origin stands for, but we like the honesty.

Not everyone can exude the palpable state-to-state hate that Paul Gallan personified for the better part of a decade, and we would argue the game is better for it.