Queensland have breathed life into the 2017 State of Origin series by sensationally coming from behind to win 18-16.
NSW looked to have the game won when they led by four points with only minutes left. But the Maroons snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to take the series to a decider. If one thing is true in Origin is that Queensland never knows when they are beaten. It was a spectacular comeback. The return of Queensland legends Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston, along with an injection of fresh blood, helped save them.
The Maroons started well when debutant Valentine Holmes scored out wide in the eighth minute. The Kangaroos winger show great feet and composure to tip-toe along the touchline and to get the ball down without going out. But NSW, as they often did in the past, didn’t panic or implode.
The Blues quietly went about their business and moved their way downfield. Jarryd Hayne is the ultimate Origin player – it’s the environment he seems to shine in the most. And Hayne equaled the record for the most tries for NSW when he finished off a structured move down the left side in the 13th minute. 6-6 and it was tied up.
In the 23rd minute Laurie Daley’s side went ahead thanks to the classy James Maloney. He broke through the Queensland line too easily and found Brett Morris in support to score. Next it was Maloney’s halves partner’s turn to cross. James Tedesco was put through the line with a choreographed inside ball and he fed Pearce to touch down. Suddenly after three quick tries NSW were 16-6 in front.
In the 52 minute Dane Gagai got over the line after the Maroons broke from their own 40 metre line. The ball went through hands after hands, offload after offload and eventually Gagai got clear to score. 16-12 and there was just four points in it. The 82,000 at Homebush, mostly NSW fans, shifted nervously in their seats.
Queensland started to streak ahead in the penalty count but the Blues’ defence held. Then Slater was taken out in a kick chase but controversially there was no call. NSW were just holding on barely. The Maroons kept surging forward looking for a match-winning try. The brutality did not end, with both James Tedesco and Will Chambers off with head knocks.
With just three minutes left Gagai scored in the corner to level it at 16-16. Billy Slater’s run and lovely inside offload from Morgan set the winger up. Then Thurston had the chance to kick Queensland in front from the sideline. The world’s best player of course nailed it.
The Maroons had done it. Harry Houdini had nothing on Queensland.
Now the series is tied at 1-1. Game III will be decided held in Brisbane next month. Strap yourself in for another classic.
