State rivalry has hit fever pitch ahead of the State of Origin decider in Sydney, the first to be held in the city in years.

Council of the City of Sydney

The State of Origin rugby league series is set for a decisive match in Sydney, with both Queensland and New South Wales teams preparing amid heightened rivalry and anticipation. The Maroons arrived to a strong local presence, while the Blues look to capitalize on their momentum from the previous game.

Key storylines include Queensland captain Cameron Munster's return to the squad following the loss of his father, adding a personal dimension to the contest. The Blues aim to achieve consecutive victories, a rare feat in the past two decades, while fans from both states engage in spirited banter and preparations for the match.

Excitement builds on State of Origin game day

With battle lines drawn for the decider, the Maroons barely had time to enjoy a walk under the spotless blue sky before the locals let them know they were behind enemy lines. Don't look too bad. A few dropped balls. Die, the blues! The home side are walking tall after closing out game two with momentum, and they plan on dancing to the beat of their own drum from the very first minute. Baleem, behind you. Don't move. But the invaders, too, had their spies on the sidelines. Are you allowed to be here? Yeah. You're an intruder. So, 80,000 blues fans don't scare you? No-one scares me. I've got my bulletproof vest on. I'm ready to go. Online, the rivalry banter started even earlier. I checked the forecast. There's a blue storm coming your way. Lucky Queensland are well-prepared for storms. Of course, everyone's looking for a sign that their mob will have the edge. Who's going to win the Origin? Queensland? Queenslander. It's a sign. But Queensland lost its bite in the tail of game two. And this, well, this is just milking too much out of the interstate beef. Besides, who could argue with Elvis, Australia's crankiest croc? He's thinking about it. Oh, it's New South Wales for the win! Certain beyond any tips tonight, there is so much to play for for so many. Now, the blues haven't gone back-to-back more than once in the last 20 years. We haven't had a decider here in Sydney for six. Now, Laurie Daly, his record is not great in deciders. He's coached three times and lost. On top of all of that, there's the X Factor, a Queensland captain playing for his old man as much as his state. I think with the boys all getting around the captain, I think we're really in with a good chance to win. Cam Munster rejoined the squad just days after the loss of his dad, Stephen. The blues know he'll be playing for a lot more than the chance to hoist the shield. This occasion's built for Cameron and Cameron's built for this occasion. Put your footy boots down for a second and there's empathy for what those guys are going through. But tonight there's a job to do. And to do it, a sea of blue in the stands always helps. But a blues legend Peter Wynn's Parramatta merch store signs there might be a few from further afield. There's a heap all asking for their passports, how they get across the border. Chris Campy, 10 News.

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