He’s watched every Origin game since it all started in 1980, so listen up when Peter Peters predicts a big fall could be coming NSW’s way in Wednesday night’s series opener.
And it’s all down to the fact the Blues are being talked up despite fielding a team of Origin rookies and a coach who is new to this arena.
NSW will field 11 debutants and a first-time Origin coach in Brad Fittler in game one at the MCG.
“We’ve seen it all before. We’re doing it again, we’re building up the Blues,” Zorba told Sky Sports Radio.
“Everything is beautiful but guess what? Fairy tales don’t come true in rugby league all that often.
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“There are too many unknown factors for the Blues. Plenty of times we’ve gone in (like this) and got our backsides smacked.
“Freddy is everybody’s favourite. He’s a happy, carefree person but let’s not forget, he was a disaster as a coach at the Roosters.
“Sixty games as coach for 25 wins…43 per cent. Just not good enough.
“It’s a hard gig. Freddy’s smiling and he’s looking good but deep inside I reckon he’d be bubbling over.
“This is a massive challenge for him and a massive challenge for an untried side with untried players in the cauldron that is Origin.”
Zorba believes the Maroons forwards will negate the young guns in the NSW pack and their backs will do the rest.
He said: “They’ve got a tough pack of forwards and if they can hold NSW – and I think they can – then the Queensland backs will win it.
“I just think Queensland have the points on the board and won’t be overawed.
“At (odds of) $2.50 I’m with Queensland. I think they are next to good things.”