PETER VAN ONSELEN: Awkward rift erupts in Maroons Origin camp AND at Channel Nine as mystery over Billy Slater's selections is solved

Born and raised in New South Wales, my excitement about attending the deciding game three of this year's State of Origin is tempered by the reality that Queensland are the rightful favourites.

Yes, NSW blew them away in game two, but that was at a neutral venue, not at the old Lang Park in Brisbane.

Besides, Queensland invariably finds a way to win, which is why they have won more series and are all but invincible at home.

Put simply I am firmly predicting a Queensland win, for whatever help that might provide the Blues.

That said, Queensland coach Billy Slater has appeared somewhat rattled since their capitulation in game two. His uncomfortable demeanour worsened by questions about his relationship with Selwyn Cobbo, raised by his Channel Nine work colleague Danny Weidler.

Awkward!

Slater said that his colleague was promoting fake news and the network was an embarrassment for allowing it.

I guess when it comes to TV you don't have to always respect those around you. I always did at Channel Ten, and not just because I signed a non-disparagement agreement.

 But Slater's biggest give away that the game two defeat bothered him were his words at the media conference straight after it.

Asked if he would be making changes galore to the line up after the loss he suggested not, simply replying 'we are Queenslanders'.

What was that all about?

Watching the tapes from the NSW win in game three up in Brisbane in 2005 gave me the answer.

That was a year every NSW supporter hopes is reflective of what happens this year. Queensland won game one but lost the next two, including the decider at Lang Park.

What I had forgotten was that Slater played in game two but was dropped for the decider. Then Queensland coach Michael Hagan not ascribing to the approach Slater now does, showing loyalty to those in the team that failed to win.

Or to fullbacks at least. So he picked two for the decider - Reece Walsh in the starting line up and Kalyn Ponga on the bench.

Perhaps that dropping hurt Slater more than anyone realised. Explaining how he's feeling now as we countdown to game time.

In 2005 in game three NSW shot out to a 32-0 lead, which won't happen tonight. Remember I'm predicting a Queensland win.

Whatever the outcome it will be one hell of a game, and being there will be fun no matter the result. Go the Blues!