Some cracking tries in this game!!

Can't accuse Billy Slater of recency bias!

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater is comfortable being uncomfortable after taking a punt on an extra back off the bench for the State of Origin opener. 7NEWS.com.au/sport Brett Thomas #7NEWS

hopefully a preview of what's to come in Paris!

Some of the most aggressive tapping of a keyboard by someone sitting very close to the mic in that Des Hasler presser..

Interesting from Dimma re resting Rowell or playing him fwd. "We want Matthew Rowell playing until he's 33- 34. The way he's going at the moment, the battery he cops and most of it is self inflicted - he is a beast. We don't want to see him finishing up or past his best at 28

Writing off Reece Walsh's season due to a broken hand may be jumping the gun, with one of Australia's leading sports doctor's telling 7NEWS, even surgery won't necessarily stop the star fullback from taking the field. 7NEWS.com.au Brett Thomas #7NEWS

The Broncos are embracing the pressure of Kevin Walters declaring they will make the finals, despite needing another slip up from the Dragons to slide into the top eight. 7NEWS.com.au Brett Thomas #7NEWS

The Battle of Brisbane is all of a sudden a battle for the top eight, with the winner parking themselves above the line and in the finals with one game remaining. 7NEWS.com.au/sport Brett Thomas #7NEWS

Genius move from Bennett vs the Bronx. Can it work 2 weeks in a row vs the Knights though?

The Lions believe the 'flair' and 'freedom' they rediscovered to dance their way up the ladder from 13th to fifth, can be carried into Saturday night's 'AFL eliminator' against Carlton. 7NEWS.com.au Brett Thomas #7NEWS

Lions have taken all 3 emergencies to Sydney inc Darragh Joyce. So no VFL prelim final action for him vs Werribee tmz morning 7NEWS Brisbane

I learned a long time ago that reality was much weirder than anyone's imagination.

The Lions are determined to make sure their grand final performance didn't come in the grand-stand finish to Saturday night's semi-final win over the Giants. 7NEWS.com.au/sport Brett Thomas #7NEWS

Big names, big forwards and big pay packets to match. The Lions and Cats spearheads are box office viewing leading into the blockbuster playoff for a grand final. 7NEWS.com.au/sport Brett Thomas #7NEWS

If Lions coach Chris Fagan is seeking advice about how to take the long road to a premiership he doesn't need to look far. On and off field lieutenant's were part of the Bulldogs 2016 triumph, when the Cup was last claimed from outside the top four. Brett Thomas #7NEWS

Bahahah gold!!! Would have liked to convert though

Bobbed up to kick important goals this year.. none more so than tonight.

so elusive even the cameraman couldn't keep up!

Oscar McInerney's all but ruled out of the Grand Final but the Lion-hearted ruckman's bravery is being celebrated, not commiserated. 7NEWS.com.au/sport Brett Thomas #7NEWS