The State of Origin stars who look like cockroaches and canetoads. This is one seriously ugly story

THIS is not what you’d call important journalism. But it’s just hours until the big game, everything meaningful has long since been written, so here goes.

This is a story about hideous creatures from north of the Tweed, and the equally repulsive creepy-crawlies from south of said river.

As you probably know, Queensland State of Origin players are colloquially referred to as canetoads, while NSW players are known as cockroaches.

But there is actually more than humorous mocking behind all this. Truth is, many of the key figures from both sides bear a shocking resemblance to said nasties.

Here’s your hideous proof.

Let’s begin with Maroons coach Mal Meninga, who has coached Queensland to eight straight series victories by not coaching them at all and pretty much just hanging around doing nothing. If only he’d adopted that approach while coaching the Canberra Raiders a few years back.

Queensland’s favourite son Billy Slater is one of the rare Queenslanders who was actually born there.

Greg Inglis doesn’t look much like a toad at all if we’re being honest. But we put him in anyway because his attacking raids are as unstoppable as the progress of the toads.

And here’s Johnathan Thurston. Pretty sure that’s him on the left. Wait...

Now for the Blues. My God, are they frightening too. Avert your eyes if you have a weak stomach. First up, the captain, Paul Gallen.

If the Blues are to score an upset win, much will depend on the in-your-face attitude and rampaging runs of young Tigers prop Aaron Woods.

Blues coach Laurie Daley has been wearing his troubled frown a lot lately.

James Tamou reckons he can win this thing lying down. Blues fans will be hoping he’s right.

Have a great night, everybody. Don’t forget to stay in touch with the game and the banter on our live blog. And may the least hideous team win.

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