The New South Wales Blues have found a way to stop the Queensland Maroons from taking a clean sweep in the 2016 State of Origin series with a final-minute try being the difference to win Game 3 by four points at ANZ Stadium.
More Origin 3
» REPORT: Queensland send Slater off a winner, NSW win series
» Seven talking points from Origin 3
» State of Origin 3 live scores, blog
» WATCH: Billy Slater comes oh so close to starting his Origin farewell with a try
» WATCH: Maloney binned for ‘professional foul’ on Slater
» WATCH: Tariq Sims has brain fade – tackles marker
After spending most of the game on the attack, the Blues somehow found themselves behind with just a couple of minutes on the clock but a full field break from James Tedesco, which turned in to a try for Michael Jennings handed them victory.
Parts of the match also threatened to boil over, with numerous push and shoves following points, a pair of sin bins and tensions running high as the Blues tried to starve off a series whitewash.
So, at Homebush, the Blues send Paul Gallen out a winner but the Maroons still win yet another series.
Final Score
New South Wales Blues 18
Queensland Maroons 14
There are still storylines to be told as the Queensland Maroons aim for a State of Origin series sweep against the New South Wales Blues, who have made some changes. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of Game 3 from 8:15pm (AEST).
The Blues are back on home soil for Game 3, and must face the prospect of going down an embarrassing 3-0.
If that wasn’t enough, Paul Gallen is playing his final State of Origin game and Laurie Daley is hanging onto his coaching job by a string.
It’s also a big opportunity for the squad to get more experience under their belt at the highest level before the 2017 series, where two of the games will be played in the Sunshine State.
There were certainly positive signs for the Blues in Game 2 though, even if they did go down by ten points. They played an aggressive brand of rugby league and put up points – they need to carry that over.
Matt Moylan was originally dropped from the side for James Tedesco, but has since been brought back onto the bench with Adam Reynolds injured – meaning Jack Bird will start in the halves (although there are on-going rumours Moylan will start, with Bird on the bench).
Josh Dugan also returns in the centres for Josh Morris, with Wade Graham to debut in the second row, meaning Paul Gallen shifts to the front row, James Tamou goes back to the bench, and Greg Bird is out.
The Maroons, are trying to send Corey Parker, who will retire at the end of the season, out a winner. Of course, the opportunity for a series sweep doesn’t present itself every day of the week, so there will be no motivation issues.
The squad is fairly stable from Game 2, although they do welcome back Nate Myles and have Gavin Cooper on debut. Effectively they replace Josh Papalii and Michael Morgan, with Myles slotting into the front row and Josh McGuire back to the bench.
With an extra forward on the bench, it is clear what sort of game they expect – one played up and down the middle, low scoring and very physical.
Having Cooper on the bench, apart from his incredible combination with Johnathan Thurston, will give the Maroons an advantage in physicality late in the game.
Prediction
Despite the changes and different feel of the Blues squad, this Maroons team are too strong. It will be low scoring, but Corey Parker will be sent out a winner.
Maroons by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar for our live coverage of Game 3 from 8:15pm (AEST) and don’t forget to get involved by leaving a comment below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Chris solta
Guest
What was the proper tackle count qlands last try...
Bob
Guest
Feel free to mention specific moments Josh. Because a lopsided penalty count doesn't automatically mean bad refs.
Matth
Guest
So 12-3 is only the equal worst?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Least comprehensible post of the evening. Well done.
Josh
Guest
Hey Ken. Like no team spoils the play???. So NSW did not spoil the play? I have no argument that teams do that but are you seriously saying NSW did not? I really do not mind being beaten and I am pleased for NSW to win a game but that was garbage one-sided refereeing tonight and it is odd you cannot see that
Josh
Guest
Fully justified if you have no idea
Josh
Guest
Rubbish Alex
Bugs
Guest
I concur. Was speechless when the bunker looked for half a second and said no knock on. Huh?? He clearly touched it, I'm pretty sure twice. I'd say 50/50 if it went fwd or not, but it deserved more scrutiny
cam
Guest
nah give it to Frizzell
Emcie
Roar Guru
I think you'll find Maloney started it and then ran away behind his players
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
It's called spiritual inebriation. That's what happens when beer companies fight for tribal rights over the tribes. I oscillate between being hopeful that we'll grow out of it one day and sucking it up and being depressed that we never will.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The game was over and Parker didn't have to run over from a different postcode?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Ah, the wonders of support play. Who'd a thought it could come in so handy in a rugby league match!
TheTruth
Guest
It's no like there haven't been other lopsided counts GAme 1 1981 QLD 14 -5 Game 1 1982 QLD 15 - 8 G1 1986 QLD 9 - 4 Couldn't be bothered with more of the older games so moved to 2010 G2 2010 QLD 8 - 3 G3 2014 QLD 11 - 5 G3 2015 QLD 12 - 5
Alex L
Roar Rookie
As I said, credit him for supporting even when he was tired. The big line break at the end was actually Moylan putting Ferguson into a gap and Tedesco followed in support to take the ball after Ferguson drew the fullback.
V.O.R.
Guest
Watch again...in true style Maloney shoves and provokes Parker as he is walking away.
Matth
Guest
One bright point for QLD, Corey Oates was great tonight
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I love those solo tries of his. I used to nickname him the Daemon but I think I will call him the Time Stopper. It is mesmerising when he runs in broken play like that.
Towe
Guest
There's a difference between having bias in the special comments and bias by the main commentators. I watched a game with a group of Americans three years ago (game 2) and they couldn't get over the bias in the commentary. They thought that there must've been separate commentary for both states
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
He plays for NSW.