It should have taken only eight minutes for the Blues to score the first try, thanks to some marvellous work by Jarryd Hayne. The try, however, was disallowed and it evidently thew NSW into a void that proved too difficult to get out of.
For all of Queensland’s dominance, however, a 28-18 score line was a true reflection of the class displayed by the Maroons and the courageous fight shown by the Blues.
After benefiting from a no try decision that should have given NSW an early lead in the first half, Queensland demonstrated why they are hot favourites to become the first Origin team in history to win four consecutive series.
On the back of the usual great go forward by Petero Civoncieva and Steve Price, the Maroons backline unleashed all of its multimillion dollar skills to leave NSW reeling barely 20 minutes into the first half.
Israel Folau was proving unstoppable, Greg Inglis once again seemed untouchable, and Johnathon Thurston was unplayable, as the trio played their part in giving Queensland an 18-6 lead heading into the break.
The only ounce of joy for NSW came late in the first half as Ben Creagh scored a fortuitous try on the back of an inside pass from Hayne.
Indeed, Hayne was the only one in the Blues line-up that looked like tormenting a Maroons backline that is rightfully rated one of the greatest of all time.
The Eels fullback was proving to be a very slippery customer as he constantly made inroads up the middle against a Queensland defence that had NSW’s measure.
Hayne’s efforts looked very much in vain early in the second half as Greg Inglis glided 60 metres to score and put the Maroons up 24-6.
As Maroons coach Mal Meninga was basking at what could have been another record score line, opposing coach Craig Bellamy had to make his first real interchange of the game to help rescue a match that had Queensland’s dominance written all over it.
The inclusion of Craig Wing thankfully payed the necessary dividends that would see NSW stage a terrific fight back that the Queenslanders themselves would have been proud of.
Wing’s penetrative running from dummy half clearly had the desired effect against a tiring Queensland forward pack that counted with immense efforts from work horses Dallas Johnson, Ashley Harrison, Michael Crocker and Nate Myles.
It was no surprise, then, to see both Wing and Hayne score the two tries that put NSW in the most unlikely of winning positions in a game Queensland thoroughly dominated.
In a performance where the Blues really only flickered against a Maroons side full of enthusiasm, Hayne and Wing were the real shining lights for coach Craig Bellamy.
And he will no doubt be hoping their form can lead NSW out of trouble come game two.
Mushi
Guest
Two things, as a Queensland supporter, that I thought would hold us in very good stead in game one were the difference in props work rates at NRL level and the way the pack was picked for the simple roll of winning the metres gained battle. On the props Weymen and Poore play far less minutes compared to Petro, Price and Hannat. So when accounting for the increased tempo at origin level it was always going to be unclear as to how they were going to either manage their minutes to keep them at peak effectiveness or Then the old ball players vesus, boring backrowers. Look at the last 4 years worth of NRL games and there is no correlation between offloads and winning, in fact, in more important games the correlation is slightly negative. Why? Because the offload is the lowest percentage pass and doesn’t necessarily increase the metres gained. So whilst it may create the occasional chance for the attack it creates a lower completion rate also which is a killer in the game of field position. At origin level in particular your playmakers at the big four positions 5/8, hookers halfback and fullback should be so good that giving them space should be far more beneficial than providing a 5 or 6th ball playing option via a back rower.
Veuve
Guest
Why Wing isn't in the run on team I do not understand. He's so versatile and quick thinking it's a tragedy he doesn't get the credit and chances he deserves. Wing's too clever to not be spending more time on the field during play.
Greg Russell
Roar Guru
Alan, I thought of our exchange last week on James McManus as I watched him look like a rabbit in the headlights last night. I'm not going to say "I told you so", because I didn't. Rather, I just asked you why he had been selected. You were fairly enthusiastic, but to be fair you also hinted at reservations. Now it's clear that he's just an Average Joe, and so he has to cede his place to someone with a bit of X-factor, e.g. Joel Monaghan or (my preference) Brett Morris. It also seems clear to me that NSW is not going to win anything with a halves combo of Campese-Wallace. These positions are so important that NSW cannot win by ignoring their deficiencies here and trying to play to other strengths. They just have to keep trying different players until they find two who are some sort of match for Thurston and Lockyer. I would give Mullen-Wallace a go in game 2. I thought Justin Poore was anonymous but then I've heard Brent Tate on radio tonight say that Qld really profited from Michael Weyman's slow play-the-balls in the first half. Someone above raises doubts about Luke Bailey. What is clear from all this is that the NSW roster of props did not work well, so that too should be looked at. I also think that Craig Bellamy needs to realise that Origin is about simple strategies, as opposed to the complexities of NRL, where one has a team week in and week out. It wasn't until Craig Wing came on that any clear, simple strategy was evident in the play of NSW, and by that stage the horse had bolted. Having written all the above, I don't really expect anything to change in the NSW setup for the next game. Origin being Origin, NSW may well win a match, imperfections and all. But last night showed that they ain't going to win this series with the current setup. 1-2 or 0-3, what's the difference? It will still be 4 series in a row to Qld, and deservedly so. Let's not forget that Qld played 3/4 of the match last night without Hodges. Who knows how much Qld might have won by without this major disruption and major weakening. NSW people should not get too hopeful on account of the final scoreline.
Tom
Guest
Alan, as much as it pains me to say it, I agree on Pricey and Civo. They are both class acts, incredibly strong, resilient and fit athletes. I got a laugh when for the forth year in a row the Telegraph claimed that their age would be shown up this year...Why oh why can't NSW get some front rowers like this pair?
Sportsmouth
Guest
It's funny, I lived in QLD for a number of years and the times that NSW won back to back series the whole of QLD would come up with the "Origin is dead" stuff or if it was 2 - 0 after two games it would be "why play a dead rubber", but on the front foot they wish they could play origin every week!! As good a team as QLD are at the moment, its really due to Price and Petero getting the rest of the pack to just hold their own, they know if they can do that then the flash(back)line will do the rest! Last night once NSW got some quality ball they easily made metres and pushed the QLD pack around, but just didn't have the touch of Thurston or Lockyer (one will go down as an all-time great the other may as well) we have two young guys maturing into very good footballers, but will never be rated as highly as their opponents, so they need to play more off each other and be a real combination to counter. My only question mark is over Luke Bailey who I rate, but he doesn't seem to have the impact like he used to at this level, otherwise stick to the same side and let them build.
Westy
Guest
Saw Bulls demolish the Chiefs , Chelsea end brave Everton's hopes , a great last quarter between Richmond and Fremantle and a damn good game of rugby league. Hayne tip toeing down the sideline was a delight as was his catch and pass inside . Nothing like watching Inglis in full flight and Slater is a freak. thurston and lockyer all class. thurston's infield kicking can be a delight. Always respect skill and athleticism otherwise I fear bias robs you of the ability to analyse your ownfavourite sport. On to the next, Barbarians v Wallabies or whatever is your preference but great time of year for a sports lover and good luck to Stosur in the semi of the French Open. A great achievement.
Hoy
Guest
I think the QLD backrow is a bit dodgy. I would keep Johnson, but look for replacements for Thaiday and Harrison. Compared to the NSW backrow, they aren't dynamic enough. They aren't really mobile, they aren't exactly offloaders, and not really hitmen (except Thaiday can pull off a few). The only thing is who to replace them with? One option might be Costigan, although I have problems with those players who played for other countries at the WC.
Alan Nicolea
Guest
LeftArmSpinner I am not blaming Freddy for anything. I actually think Myles has been arguably the Roosters best player this season. It is no use now argueing about what could have been if we had retained the likes of Wing, Harrison and Hodges. All the club can do now is start over and rebuild a team that is lacking real confidence and belief. The appointment of Arthur Beetson as assistant coach i feel will lead the Roosters in the right direction in that regard. Tom - indeed some of the calls that went against NSW were bad indeed. If Hayne's try was allowed, i feel that would have been enough of a confidence booster to put the Blues in an ideal match winning position. But it was not to be. Regardless, the efforts of arguably the oldest frontrow combination in Origin history should not be discounted. wtf - Wing's inclusion in the second half proved to be a huge turning point in the game for NSW. Him and Farah working in tandem really put QLD on the backfoot. Good signs for Origin 2 and possibly great signs for the Rabbitohs.
wtf
Guest
I agree with Alan ive watched a few rabbitohs games and Wing doesnt play to this standard maybe because hes constantly being shuffled around by JT but if by chance hes plays 1 or 2 roles for the rest of this season he might be able to lead them to a top eight finish.
Tom
Guest
'great go forward' setting up those tries? Not to mention a few fortuitous penalties...
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
Alan, On a different subject, but one we have debated previously, Wing, Harrison, Myles and Hodges all played for the Roosters and were sufficiently poorly performed for them to be released. Myles is still heading in that direction. Why does this happen and then they get selected in Origin, and play excellent passionate and skillful league!!! Things are rotten at Bondi. Dont blame Fittler.