- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Is there anything Jarryd Hayne cannot do? The superstar Blues snatched the game from Queensland’s grasp and put his name on State of Origin and Australian rugby league history with one single act.
Hayne’s tears of joy summed up his Origin career’s frustrations – eight years is a long time without a series win. But, after regaining his place in the Australian team last year and recovering his best career form with the Eels and now with New South Wales, it was only fitting that he provided the match-winning – and match-saving – play last night.
Queensland’s Sam Thaiday was over the line, which would have made the score 8-0 and probably 10-0 after the conversion.
Hayne’s act of knocking the ball out of Thaiday’s hands when the back-rower was almost certain to score screamed determination and a never-give-up attitude.
The mainly pro-Blues crowd was stunned. But when the no-try was awarded, Hayne didn’t celebrate wildly. There was a calm, measured response. He is operating at the level only a select few get to in their careers, where acts of brilliance and match-turning input happen as a matter of course.
It might only last for a few games, or for a season but Hayne is in this zone. Like his run in 2009, everything he touched turned to gold. This act won NSW the game. He believed, he knew what needed to be done and he delivered.
New South Wales are series winners. Say it again slowly. Hail Trent Hodkinson with his try, hail Paul Gallen’s mighty performance up front and if you are a Queensland fan, hail a bus because you are going away with nothing.
Finally, New South Wales’ supporters get to celebrate a unique milestone of their own. Let’s also remember the day that Hayne created his own Origin legend.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.