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.
It was the one State of Origin award Billy Slater couldn’t win. Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco was crowned NSW’s best player from their 2018 series victory on Monday night, earning his maiden Brad Fittler Medal. Controversially overlooked by Kangaroos selectors for the Wally Lewis player of the series, Tedesco was the Blues’ best in […]
What just happened?
As the dust settles on arguably the greatest State of Origin series of all time, I want to reflect on how New South Wales coach Brad Fittler changed the course of history.
It’s been a week since Game 3 of Origin and with pretty much any discussion on the game revolving around post-match drama I figured I’d take the opportunity to remind everyone that a game did in fact take place prior to the awards ceremony.
Queensland put in a might performance in an Origin classic on Wednesday, but it won’t stop the next Australian team being dominated by the new generation Blues.
Since 2004, the Wally Lewis Medal has been one of the most prestigious awards in rugby league, given to the best player at the end of the State of Origin series. Handing that accolade to a player who only played two of the three games has devalued it forever.
