The Queensland Maroons have won the 2017 State of Origin series in dominating circumstances, taking a 16-point victory in the decider at Suncorp Stadium over the New South Wales Blues with a 22-6 final scoreline.
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» 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
The 2017 State of Origin series all comes down to Game 3 as the Queensland Maroons attempt to win without Johnathan Thurston against a New South Wales Blues team who have dominated for much of the series.
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The Blues should have wrapped up the series in Sydney. After taking Game 1 to the tune of 28-4, they were up 16-6 and dominating at halftime in Game 2.
But then the whole series flipped on its head. Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney went missing, the Blues forwards suddenly looked tired and the Maroons made them pay.
Dane Gagai, who has scored a try in every Maroons’ victory he has been a part of, scored a double and Thurston, playing with one arm, held his own to slow the winning conversion.
While Thurston’s representative career is over, this was supposed to be his farewell match and at home, the Maroons will be playing to send him out a winner in spirit.
In Thurston’s place is Cameron Munster, making his debut alongside a full Melbourne Storm spine – Bill Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith the other three. Michael Morgan will start in the centres, while Queensland’s other Origin debutant, Ben Hunt, joins the bench.
The selection of Hunt is somewhat controversial, but the Maroons have written the textbook on how to use a utility in State of Origin. Given the misuse of Jack Bird by the Blues and the form of Cameron Munster, you can only think they still hold the advantage in that department.
Queensland need to improve and that’s the bottom line. If the Blues had closed out Game 2, this would be a dead rubber.
New South Wales have been dominant thanks to their pack. In Game 1, it was all Andrew Fifita has he claimed man of the match honours on the back of nearly 200 metres.
While the Maroons swamped him every time he had the ball in the second game, it allowed Jake Trbojevic and David Klemmer to play starring roles off the bench. Queensland must find a way to shut down all the Blues forwards, and if that means slightly averting attention from Fifita, then so be it.
New South Wales have also had the upper hand when it comes to kicking games, but that’s a shock. Simply put, Smith and Cronk are yet to play a good game in the series – don’t expect them to put in a third bad performance.
Prediction
Even if the Blues dominate like they have done in the first two matches, it’s just so difficult to tip them away from home in a decider. Smith is yet to play a good game, and with the Origin experience of Slater and Cronk alongside him, it’s not hard to see why I’m tipping them to lift the shield again.
Queensland by 4.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of State of Origin Game 3 from 8:15pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Simoc
Guest
Fan bloody tastic. So proud of Qld.
TC123
Guest
Until the blues can find the same passion that the Queenslanders have, this is going to continue. It just seems to mean more to the players when they wear that maroon shirt. That and they don't have Mitchell Pierce.
TC123
Guest
Then you have something in common with the NSW selectors. None of you have a clue
doogs
Guest
there it is. on the ground. your dummy. go on sport. pick it up
doogs
Guest
would you care for a box of tissues
RBBAnonymous
Guest
It was a decent enough series but we have to face facts. Players like Maloney and Pearce are decent players but they just don't have the same X factor as players like Thurston, Smith, Slater. The halves and the fullback position are so important in winning matches and I just can't see it happening with that combination. It's no disrespect it's just they aren't better players than those 3 Queenslanders, at least Thurston won't be there next year which at least gives us a glimmer of hope.
Rob
Guest
That's gold Matt H. LOL
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
NSW had all the momentum in that second half. Then Klemmer went off and Woods came on and it all went away in second...
eron
Guest
I find turning the volume down and even on mute during the coverage helps
Johnno Mac
Guest
>goes off on rant >ignores stats and facts hehexd
Renegade
Guest
Lol one of your best Benny ?
Johnno Mac
Guest
Benny you must be blind he missed a tackle in every try, Pearce is a passenger
Emcie
Roar Guru
+1
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks mate - high praise indeed. Great to have your comments throughout!
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
The best caller on the Roar, thank you Scotty.
Robbie
Guest
No more origin......sick of qld commentary....sick of qld heroes....wally...fatty...alfie... Had enough of all the nsw supporters who follow qld......will not watch ever again.
Scott Pryde
Expert
More Origin 3 coverage: » Game 3 match report: Maroons keep their dynasty alive after smashing the Blues » Five talking points from Origin Game 3 » WATCH: Highlights from Origin Game 3 » How it happened: Re-live Game 3 with our Origin live scores, blog and highlights Thanks for joining me both this evening and for Games 1 and 2 over the last six weeks for our live coverage right here on The Roar. Hopefully you have enjoyed the games, the series and the call. It's been a privilege to do once again. The NRL season continues on Friday night from 6pm (AEST) with the New Zealand Warriors hosting the Penrith Panthers. I'll be live for that one, and right here on The Roar we will be live for every game in the run to the finals. Right now, I'm going to be covering Stage 11 of the Tour de France. Bye for now.
Rob
Guest
Yes, NSW had a 38-6 head start. Funny thing is NSW scored more points but how many did QLD miss.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Man of the match will be updated in a post on site once it's announced.
Scott Pryde
Expert
We still haven't heard officially. Some on Twitter, including Fox Sports lab are saying it's Smith but given he has been interviewed already, I'm not so sure.