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The Roar

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The baby Blues win a new-look Origin opener

The Blues will be hoping for a win in Origin 2. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Expert
6th June, 2018
6

Queensland took the field last night at the MCG without their iconic quartet – Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, and Cooper Cronk.

Between their 130 Origin caps, the ‘big four’ have been behind much of Queensland’s success for the past decade.

More State of Origin 1
» State of Origin live scores, blog
» WATCH: James Tedesco scores the first Origin try of 2018
» WATCH: Valentine Holmes races away to score a crucial intercept try
» WATCH: Dislocated finger can’t stop Dane Gagai scoring an incredible try

Last night there were only 121 caps between the entire 34 footballers on duty, with Queensland skipper Greg Inglis owning 30 of them, and the only one in double figures.

Little wonder the Origin opener had a very different look about it, with 14 debutants, 11 of them in Blue.

But the lack of experience still provided 80 minutes of non-stop rugby league that gave the excellent 87,122 crowd great value for their hard-earned to watch NSW win 22-12.

Especially NSW fullback James Tedesco.

He was not only the outstanding man of the match, but he scored the first try and set up another as he constantly probed the Queensland defence with his footwork and speed.

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James Tedesco

James Tedesco was everywhere for the Blues. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

But he was pushed for the award by teammates James Maloney, Nathan Cleary, and Tom Trbojevic.

Maloney was in everything.

He sent Tedesco in for that try with a perfectly-timed pass, then threw a long ball right that was intercepted by Queensland winger Valentine Holmes who ran 80 metres to score.

He then magnified his mistake with a forward pass that led to Dane Gagai’s try.

After two costly blunders like that in a tight game, most footballers would have hung their head low.

Not James Maloney. He forgets his mistakes as quickly as he makes them and gets on with the job.

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His deadly accurate chip kick led to Tom Trbojevic’s try with his superb aerial work, and Maloney’s long pass left saw Josh Addo-Carr score in the corner to put the game out of Queensland’s reach.

Maloney is a priceless NSW asset.

Barring injury, Cleary is the NSW and Kangaroo halfback for the next decade after one Origin game.

Everything he did in attack, and especially in defence, was right off the top shelf and a credit to new coach Brad Fittler for having faith in the 20-year-old.

It was a vastly different example of positive thinking to Kevin Walters’ negative approach when leaving 20-year-old Kalyn Ponga right out of the Queensland team.

Yet both Cleary and Ponga are brilliant for their tender years. It’s the old story, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

But you must be given the chance to show it.

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If there’s any criticism of NSW it would have to be not using the express pace of their centres James Roberts and Latrell Mitchell.

Sure Mitchell scored a try, but between them they wouldn’t have handled the ball six times all game.

Up front the NSW honours went to second-rower Tyson Frizell, hooker Damien Cook, and the skipper Boyd Cordner.

Frizell was tireless and everywhere when needed, Cook is a quality hooker-playmaker setting up the first try with a superb midfield bust, while Cordner played the full 80 minutes, made 34 tackles, and kept his troops with their mind on the job when Queensland took the lead.

Tyson Frizell

Tyson Frizell (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

As for Queensland, Inglis was definitely the right choice as skipper to replace the retired Cameron Smith.

He too was tireless all night, and an inspiration to his team.

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NSW were the better unit on the night, but Inglis kept his troops in the battle right up until the final whistle.

He had great support from the angry ant Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt, while the two try-scoring wingers Holmes and Gagai must become more involved.

Gagai has scored eight tries from as many Origins, Holmes five from three – proof enough of their potency.

Hooker Andrew McCullough and tough second-rower Felise Kaufusi, both on debut, have cemented their spots for at least the series.

A special salute to the two referees Gerard Sutton and Ashley Klein for only blowing five penalties for the full 80 minutes.

Which begs the question, why don’t they do that in the NRL?

The best quote from last night came from Tyson Frizell, when he was asked about Brad Fittler as a coach.

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“We all know he’s a bit of a larrikin, but he sure knows his footy,” was the reply.

The 22-12 scoreline supports Frizell.

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