New South Wales went into Game 1 of this year’s State of Origin series with so much to play for.
A handful of debutants and a look towards the future was on everyone’s lips as Queensland somehow managed to head into the game as underdogs. Yes, the team that had won nine of the last ten series, with practically the same team, was favoured to lose against the New South Wales rookies.
More from State of Origin 1:
» Five talking points
» The big issues examined
» The Liebke Ratings
» Laurie Daley drops a post-Origin bombshell
» State of Origin Game 1 full time: Queensland hold on to win
» All the action in our live blog
The opening exchanges felt like déjà vu. For it seems almost every game of every year, New South Wales are forced to repel Queensland inside their own 20m zone set after set. The boys in blue did well and didn’t succumb to the early pressure of their ‘underdog’ opponents.
A penalty goal from Origin’s most prolific point scorer Johnathan Thurston got scoring underway, but it was the Blues who crossed the line first through a Boyd Cordner try. Sharp shooter Adam Reynolds missed the conversion, which would prove to be costly.
On the stroke of half-time, Knights utility Dane Gagai finished off a slick backline movement and took the Maroons back in front 6-4 with the Thurston’s sideline conversion unsuccessful. Gagai’s try would be the last point scored in the match.
The Queenslanders barely got out of first gear for the duration of the game and were still able to hold off an energetic and youthful New South Wales outfit. More kicks found Queensland’s back three on the full than the grass, ‘x-factor’ utility Dylan Walker showed in nine minutes why the entire state was shocked at his selection, while Matt Moylan had a mixed night, making a few errors under the high ball but showing glimpses of potential in attack.
Queensland’s future immortal Johnathan Thurston had a relatively quiet night by his lofty standards, yet his kicking game controlled proceedings.
His North Queensland teammate Michael Morgan had limited minutes after he was concussed attempting to bring down David Klemmer.
Darius Boyd starred for the Maroons setting up their only try and proved a fine replacement for Billy Slater. Matt Gillett took home the Channel Nine man of the match honors with a big performance on the edge, outshining his more experienced Queensland and Broncos back row counterparts Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker.
Game 2 will provide selection headaches for Laurie Daley as he will have critics on both sides calling for changes or calling for solidarity. Regardless of what he does, Kevin Walters knows that at Suncorp, his team can deliver much more than they did in Game 1, where they will no doubt wrap up yet another State of Origin series.
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