State of Origin: Ex-Wigan Warriors fullback Matty Bowen looks ahead to the final game between Queensland and New South Wales

Ex-Wigan Warriors fullback Matty Bowen is expecting a close contest in the final State of Origin clash.
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Queensland and New South Wales currently have one win each heading into the deciding game.

Bowen, who represented the Maroons between 2003 and 2007, says his former side have a point to prove after suffering a 44-12 defeat in the second meeting between the teams.

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He said: “It’s been a great series. We got up in game one, then played them other over in Perth. We’ve got the decider now in Brisbane, and I think the boys will be up for it after the way they lost the second game.

Matty Bowen (Credit: Mark Nolan/Getty Images)Matty Bowen (Credit: Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Matty Bowen (Credit: Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

“Being at home for it will bring a massive effort and hopefully they can do it. It will wind them up for the game.

“New South Wales didn’t play too badly in game one, but just missed a few opportunities, and our boys sort of defended well.

“We didn’t do that in the second game, so they will be disappointed and embarrassed more than anything else.

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“When I was at Wigan, we had a couple of Yorkshire boys in our team, who were all very passionate, so I think a State of Origin in England would be great.”

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Bowen says Australia's current talent pool makes this year’s Rugby League World Cup an exciting prospect.

“We’ve got a lot of young players who have come through who are playing with confidence,” he said.

“Hopefully we can come over and do well in the World Cup. I’d like to see Nathan Cleary get his crack for Australia if he carries on his form.”

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