Queensland have held onto the slimmest of half time leads to claim the opening game of the 2016 State of Origin series.
A scoreless second half underlined what type of game this was, with the contest mainly in the middle and effort and fitness determining how it was played.
It was a largely forward-based affair, with the Queensland and New South Wales packs doing their best to gain an ascendency while the backs struggled to make an imprint on the game. The fact the second half was scoreless underscored what kind of contest this was.
With only eight interchanges available to the coaches, this proved to be one of the most exhausting 80 minutes of Origin ever played, with both sides appearing out on their feet at various stages through the second half.
More from State of Origin 1:
» Five talking points
» The big issues examined
» The Liebke Ratings
» Laurie Daley drops a post-Origin bombshell
Overall, Queensland will walk away delighted to have got away with the tensest of victories.
The Maroons turned relentless Blues attacks away time and time again. NSW will take plenty from this game, but their inability to convert opportunities will probably be what they take
Queensland went close to scoring early in the second half after a mistake from Matt Moylan at the back gave the Maroons an early possession on the Blues line, and although Dane Gagai found clear air between him and the line again, James Maloney and Boyd Cordner did enough for the Blues to bundle him into touch and snuff out the opportunity.
As was the way of what was an intriguing contest from start to finish, it would the Blues who would assert themselves as the dominant team in the middle of the park.
They forced the Queenslanders to do plenty of tackling, who to their credit responded with plenty of determination. When both sides were flagging, it was the Maroons who kept turning up, and in the end it was the reason NSW didn’t take a win away from this game.
One of the biggest talking points from the game will no doubt be the no try decision awarded against Josh Morris, after the on-field referee awarded a try from the live action. In the middle of the second half, this call would prove crucial to the result.
This came in the midst of a huge period from New South Wales, which ended with yet another controversial call of a knock on against the Blues after it appeared to come off the shoulder of Queensland centre Justin O’Neill.
From that point, the Maroons’ halves Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston took the game by the scruff of the neck, closing it down with a smart kicking game and good forward management.
Replacement Dylan Walker blew the last chance the Blues would get, dropping the ball onto Cameron Smith’s foot in the play the ball in an effort to get a penalty.
The second half followed a sapping first half which saw the Maroons with their noses in front after a late try to the Maroons crossed in the corner through Dane Gagai.
The Blues were the first to cross the stripe through backrower Boyd Cordner, who struggled over after a strong period from NSW, but Gagai struck back for Queensland to combine with a penalty goal from Johnathan Thurston, who was one of the architects of his try to make the score 4-6 at half time.
The Maroons possession for set after set on the NSW line early on, which led to the first points of the game with Cameron Smith electing to take the two points after another penalty on the line, this time from James Maloney.
Johnathan Thurston made no mistake to give Queensland a 2-0 lead. This would prove to be the decisive score of the match, with Adam Reynolds unsuccessful with his only attempt at goal in the game.
The Blues’ try came after a sustained period of pressure, and it was Boyd Corner who would crash over to score after receiving a short ball from James Maloney.
It was due reward for the Blues for a couple of excellent kicks from their new halves combination Adam Reynolds and James Maloney that forced repeat sets on the Queensland line.
A mistake from the Blues late in the first half opened up the opportunity for the Maroons, and with Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston combining with Darius Boyd on the Maroons right edge to lay a try on for Dane Gagai who received the final pass from debutant centre Justin O’Neill.
So Queensland take a win from Game 1, as the next game goes to Suncorp Stadium.
What did you make of the game Roarers?
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
I had a squiz at your blog Jordan - and it looks like a game of golf without the clubs, played over 4000 scenic holes alongside your old man. Enjoy every minute.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
You would have obviously loved Webcke then. I still think old Pricey did OK there, he was one of the best at making defenders miss. Like Bromwich. And neither of them had fancy hair like Guerra, Ricketson or Hindmarsh.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Yes, to Josh Reynolds. Finally, turbo and I can agree on something! Maloney isn't a bad player. But Jeynolds wants to take on the line. He wants to step and draw in defenders. He wants to take field goals with five minutes left. If there was anyone 'made for Origin' it is Josh Reynolds. The guy is always willing.
soapit
Guest
specially when playing against the protecte species maroons. they should have learned this by now
soapit
Guest
would need much too long an explanation for their audience
ChubbzyK96
Guest
This was my first 9 game in a while and their coverage is horrible. Give everything to FOX! Thats mean to those that cant afford it but make FOX the host broadcaster and Channel 9 can broadcast that.
Tony
Guest
I thought Dane Gagai had a very good game.He was continually taking the ball up from the ruck especially when the forwards were running on empty in the later stages of the game.
Renegade
Roar Guru
But your bagging out Gallen who does that far better than Matt Scott..
Jay C
Roar Guru
Milf was MOTM in last years GF no matter what they say. Morgan is good but honestly Milf is the future of QLD Origin. He has been the best player i the competition so far this year. Dane earned his keep tonight I thought. not great, but he and Nate copped the most flak coming into tonight and I thought they both showed they belonged there. He should have scored that second try I thought, but you get that. Klemmer is a pup. Howling at the moon. There's no one to lead him is the problem. NSW just have losers in senior positions. Honestly clean the lot of them out. Coach and all. Start fresh. There is o other way. Klemmer could come north, we could show him how to play. People mistake aggressive for good. Look at Oates. Looks as docile as a fawn. But has quality written all over him. Gee whiz. I can't wait til he is a lock. Going to be something special. Sack Bozo, Daley, Gallen, Bird, Morris, Farrah, Tamou and Woods. They weren't terrible but they can't win.And Walker.That experiment failed. Bring in Bird, Carty, W Graham, Peats S Boyd. whoever.Just different. Who cares if they lose. I can't believe NSW has stuck with the same terrible players for 10 years basically.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Gillett was awesome and Boyd was great at the back. Gillett's in career best form and probably the best back rower in the comp at the moment.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Impact
White Sox
Guest
Oh the irony! I do believe you are the one throwing insults, but must know Aaron Woods? I have seen many of your posts having not just a dig at Aaron Woods but throwing insult 's at other players.... But now i have seen your credentials, and let me say how impressive they are, you can now feel free to insult whoever you want. You have earned it Don you legend. Here i was thinking you was just using hyperbole! But Gene Miles.........Anyway, like the user below said, Aaron Woods first half was a s good as any. i suggest you watch the game instead of pretending you're involved. I will also stick to my original post. Any man who tells another man who plays State of Origin is not "hard" is a bit of internet hero in my eyes. Then again you were palmed by Gene Miles and your mates point out the "divot". Yep, will stick with my original evaluation....
Annoyedofit
Guest
Cordnor forward pass lead to try convenient penalties, Jennings falcon ruled as QLD knock on. Seems whenever NSW lose it's the refs fault.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
McGuire ran for over 100 metres and made 30+ tackles. If that's ineffective off the bench idk what you're looking for.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Gracias mate. Hope you get over here one day. It has been amazing. I started in Le Puy en Velay and am currently 49 days and 1100 kilometres in. Not sure if I will get censored but I am blogging at my site 1planet2cross .dot. com A rest day today to enjoy the beautiful game. love your work.
Don
Roar Rookie
Its a goal of mine when I get my knee right. I envy you. Buen camino Jay.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I am mate. It's been awesome so far.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Agree with this, however I'll say the Blues were too lateral in attack, not enough direct / flat running. There just wasn't enough variety with a mountain of ball in the second half. A Chip kick on occasion would have been handy. I'd bring in Tecesco if fit and possibly Graham and Frizelle. Moylan, Bird and Jackson out.
Don
Roar Rookie
Not doing the el camino de santiago are you?
Don
Roar Rookie
So explain your fascination with McGuire then? He looks for the easy ruck. Poor old Corey and Alex Glenn get lumbered with those hard rucks at the Broncs. You must have really adored Shane Webke Jay. He would take them all day.