New South Wales Blues back rower Josh Jackson has been named man of the match in Game 2 of the 2017 State of Origin series despite the Maroons’ last-minute 18-16 victory.
Even though the Blues couldn’t pull off the victory, with the Maroons snatching it through a Dane Gagai try with only a few minutes to go, Josh Jackson was named man of the match by the Australian selection panel, who decide the best-on-ground for Origin football.
More State of Origin 2
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» Match report: Maroons steal Game 2 win to force a decider
» Watch all the Origin 2 highlights
» Why the State of Origin man of the match process is broken
» WATCH: Andrew Johns blasts the Blues’ woeful second half
Jackson was among the Blues’ best and for much of the game, they were the better side. The Canterbury Bulldogs second rower started the game strongly, was involved in almost everything and ended up playing 47 minutes, putting in some bone-jarring tackles and making important runs out of their own end.
The second rower becomes only the fifth player to win a man of the match award in State of Origin from the losing side after finishing with 26 tackles at a very high efficiency. It was the noticeable effort that stood out more than the statistics line though.
The Blues got off to a cracking start, leading 16-6 at the break and even though they went down 18-16, Jackson was a big part of the reason why they were able to pick up the early lead.
Jackson warded off the challenge from a returning Billy Slater for the award, along with Maroons winger Dane Gagai and Josh McGuire, who were the best on ground for the Maroons.
Keith
Guest
Its just another kick in the face how can a loosing team player get mom. Nsw lost thats that josh Jackson play 47mins not 80. He judged on what he did for nsw and thats all irelivent. I surpose nsw had to get something make them think they won something at least.
JoM
Roar Rookie
Think it's the Australian selectors who choose it
Jean
Guest
Gagai definitely should have been awarded man of the match, boo to the australian selection panel.
Mitcher
Guest
I'm not one to defend ch9's boneheaded commentary team. But they all agreed post match this decision was wrong.
Abdulla
Guest
Mom should have been Dane or Billy.
istine Stokan
Guest
Dane Gagai was man of the match for the winning side - the Maroons. He, with support from his winning side, won the match for the Queensland Maroons. Despite all the hoo haa fo the Blues dominance in the Channel Nine coverage of the game it is a player from the winning side who should be awarded the Man of the Match title.
Jon
Roar Rookie
The MOTM committee obviously went home with the Blues at half time to open a bottle of bubbly. That's the only thing that makes sense for a QLDer not getting the MOTM.
Duncan Smith
Guest
Thurston or Gagai.
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
Slater. Maguire. Napa. Slater. All great. Gagai was best on the field.