Country custodian David Peachey claims experience may give him the edge over City's Anthony Minichiello when the two fullbacks vie for the NSW No.1 jumper at Express Advocate Stadium on Friday night.

A stack of Blues spots for game one of this year's State of Origin series remain up for grabs, but there is no doubting Peachey and Minichiello are locked in the most contentious of the head-to-head battles.

Peachey acknowledged Minichiello and Penrith's try-scoring ace Rhys Wesser as the two form players of the 2003 premiership, saying they were "in a purple patch where everything they touch is turning to gold."

But he was also hoping his 172 matches at fullback for Cronulla compared to Minichiello's eight in the No.1 jumper for the Roosters would hand him the advantage.

"Mini's more been a winger than a fullback," Peachey said.

"I think he enjoys the open spaces, as I did when I first started playing fullback, but the experience might just get me a little in front. You never know."

Peachey, whose dreaded run with injury at representative time over the past few seasons has limited the free-running 29-year-old to just one Origin appearance, expected the wet conditions to make for a busy night at the back for the rival No.1s.

He is ready for City halves Braith Anasta and Brent Sherwin to work him overtime with their renowned kicking games.

But he also warned Minichiello, who has looked shaky on occasions under the high ball this season, to expect to be bombarded by Country halves Trent Barrett and Andrew Johns.

"I know Mini's going to cop a barrage from either Joey or Baz," Peachey said.

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