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Match Highlights: The Queensland Maroons have bounced back in State of Origin Game 2 against a disappointing New South Wales Blues side.
It was all New South Wales in the first half as they jumped out to a 16-6 lead at half time.
State of Origin 2 coverage
» Match report: Maroons win to force series decider
» Five talking points from Queensland’s last-gasp win
» Check out all the highlights from the thrilling Game 2
» WATCH: Andrew Johns unleashes a furious rant about the Blues’ woeful second half
The Blues run rampant over a flat Queensland outfit – Brett Morris, Jarryd Hayne and Mitchell Pearce all crossing over in the first forty minutes.
Uncharacteristic mistakes by the usually reliable Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk meant New South Wales went into the sheds full of confidence and sensing a series victory.
But the Blues dropped their bundle in the final half hour as the Queenslanders stormed home with two unanswered tries.
Johnathan Thurston kicked a clutch conversion in the 78th minute to give the Maroons a two-point lead.
Needing a try to win the game, Boyd Cordner’s men could only dish up two insipid sets of six as Queensland sent the series to a historic decider.
Dane Gagai was outstanding for Queensland, crossing over for the first and last tries and consistently punching holes in the New South Wales defence.
Andrew Johns was furious with the New South Wales performance after the game, unleashing a furious tirade after the Blues’ collapse.
Take what excels, is decent, respectable, and typical of the true essence of rugby league. Then double it. For 15 years we’ve been privileged to follow the parallel careers of Brett and Josh Morris.
In the past six seasons, the one-day cup in Australia has been dominated by New South Wales and Western Australia.
When you follow a team, your sporting highs and lows ride on their success. But despite this, what really captivates and entertains you are the players. No matter which team they play for, the best players are the reason we watch the game.
Apisai Koroisau’s State of Origin future is in doubt after the NSWRL slapped him with a $15,000 fine for breaching the code of conduct during Blues camp this series.
From the moment the final whistle was blown on State of Origin Game 3, NSW coach Brad Fittler and his chief advisor Greg Alexander have resembled a pair of fiery pit bulls trying desperately to defend their turf.
Only seven times in the 40-year history of three-game State of Origin series has a side won three-nil.
