The Pearl's Preview – Round 12 & Origin I teams announced

In this week’s ‘Pearl Preview Pod’ NRL.com analyst Steve Renouf outlines why Maroons coach Kevin Walters’ ban on his players mentioning the Blues will be a boost to the side.

Renouf explains why he is tipping the Maroons to win the State of Origin series opener by six points and says the Blues ban will assist the players to focus on their own jobs.

He says the move is a masterstroke by Walters.

Renouf also casts his eyes over the four NRL games to be played in round 12 and says the Titans, led by an in-form Tyrone Roberts, will prove too good for the Cowboys on Sunday.