Before she'd even shared the news of the Vic-NSW border reopening, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian tweeted this:

"Go Freddy and The Blues as State of Origin returns for 2020. This year is more important than ever to bring the series win to NSW! With you all the way!"

Maybe Ms Berejiklian is one of those one-a-year fans who relishes in the heat of the alleged mate v mate battle that State of Origin provides. Or perhaps she's just a politician.

No doubt the Premier is looking forward to the Roosters left edge ripping through the Maroons later this evening.

Boyd Cordner, Luke Keary and Daniel Tupou will play together in State of Origin for the first time in Game I of the 2020 series in Adelaide. And that familiarity could well be the difference that gets the Blues over the line.

Let's not forget the Maroons backline is already without Kalyn Ponga, Michael Morgan, Moses Mbye and the suspended Valentine Holmes.

But then, "the old coach" (AKA Wayne Bennett) knows a thing or two about Origin and will be keen to impress the Queenslanders again - even if it is via Adelaide.

* This edition of Tackle Count was written by Janine Graham.

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