New South Wales
26
Match Complete
Queensland
20
| J. Maloney |  | 79 | ||
| J. Tedesco |  | 79 | ||
| 77 | | E. Lowe | ||
| 76 | | J. Papalii | ||
| 71 | | E. Lowe | ||
| 71 | | J. McGuire | ||
| J. Maloney | | 60 | ||
| D. Cook | | 59 | ||
| J. Maloney | | 52 | ||
| J. Tedesco | | 50 | ||
| J. Maloney | | 35 | ||
| P. Vaughan | | 34 | ||
| 28 |  | E. Lowe | ||
| 16 | | E. Lowe | ||
| 14 | | F. Kaufusi | ||
| J. Maloney | | 5 |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Hey! You’re looking at an old blog! Keep up to date with Game 1, 2021 live scores here.
State of Origin 3 has arrived for 2019, as the NSW Blues look to win back-to-back titles for the first time in 14 years against an uncertain Queensland Maroons side. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8:10pm (AEST).
More Origin 3
» NSW Blues player ratings
» Queensland Maroons player ratings
» WATCH: Match highlights as Blues seal epic series
» WATCH: James Tedesco ices victory with last-play winner
» WATCH: Kaufusi scores first try of Origin 3
The Blues might have lost Game 1 and been under the pump for making what seemed an unnecessary seven changes ahead of the do-or-die Game 2 in Perth, but they came away with a thumping 38-6 victory to keep things alive.
With Mitchell Pearce back for Game 3, replacing the injured Nathan Cleary at halfback, things are in the balance once again, with Queensland hardly expected to turn in another meek showing.
Pearce has had few Origin performances worthy of praise during his career, and he will be nervous heading into a decider.
The Blues will expect to win in other areas of the field tonight: the kicking game and leadership of James Maloney, the start to their sets from the outside backs, and power off the bench.
All of the New South Wales outside backs – James Tedesco, Blake Ferguson, Josh Addo-Carr, Jack Wighton and Tom Trbojevic – had over 100 running metres in Perth. It was a key difference between the sides, and in potentially slippery and greasy conditions in Sydney for the decider, it could prove to be a huge factor in Origin 3.
While Queensland haven’t gone gun-ho on making changes like the Blues did after a loss, they have been forced into a couple of big moves.
Kalyn Ponga (calf) is out, and Matt Gillett (groin) joined him in the casualty ward yesterday. Cameron Munster will move to fullback, bringing debutant Corey Norman into the halves, while David Fifita will start in the second row. Dylan Napa and Jarrod Wallace have been dropped.
Munster should be able to provide the Maroons a strong running game at the back, and while Ponga has the ability to break games open, he has been poor in the Origin series to date.
Bringing Norman into the halves also puts the pressure on Daly Cherry-Evans, who must control the kicking game and let Norman play on instinct.
While the halves are crucial, it’s Ben Hunt and his service out of dummy half, as well as David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue – two youngsters starting in the forwards for Queensland – to stand up and deliver when the pressure is on.
Prediction
The Blues are at home and seemingly just have enough going for them. With all the confidence in the world following their recent win, they should take Origin victory for the second year in a row.
NSW by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2019 State of Origin decider from 8:10pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Game information
Kick-off: 8:10pm (AEST)
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
TV: Live, Channel Nine
Online: Live, 9Now
Betting: Blues $1.36, Maroons $3.25
Overall record: Played 116, Queensland 62, New South Wales 52, drawn 2
Record in deciders: Played 21, Maroons 14, Blues 7
Record at ANZ Stadium: Played 27, Blues 17, Maroons 9, drawn 1
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Ashley Klein
NSW Blues
1. James Tedesco 2. Blake Ferguson 3. Tom Trbojevic 4. Jack Wighton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Damien Cook 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Dale Finucane 15. Tariq Sims 16. Cameron Murray 17. Wade Graham
18th man: Clint Gutherson
Queensland Maroons
1. Cameron Munster 2. Corey Oates 3. Michael Morgan 4. Will Chambers 5. Dane Gagai 6. Corey Norman 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ben Hunt 10. Josh Papalii 11. Felise Kaufusi 18. Ethan Lowe 13. Josh McGuire
Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Christian Welch 16. Tim Glasby 17. David Fifita
19th man: Dylan Napa
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Yes mate. I usually have a bottle of Sheaf Stout for breakfast - for strength, but I might have two on Saturday in preparation for the 3pm kickoff. We’ll see how all the Origen boys pull up on Friday. Should be a pearler of a game.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"Even when we lose we proudly sing our song" Funny, I didn't see ANY maroons players singing last night. Well, if tgat's the case then get ready to proudly sing "Eagle Rock" after Souths SMASH the Seagulls on Saturday afternoon! LOL
The Spectator
Roar Guru
It was one game last yr and ridiculously he got player of the series, he is special!
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Wighton also seemed to win every aerial challenge too.
Fight fair
Guest
One more and origin is dead!
Insider
Roar Rookie
8 to go boom-fish
Insider
Roar Rookie
Really lol
Fight fair
Guest
Yeah i think they might have won about thirty years straight a while back.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Yippee yai yai yippie yippee yai Even when we lose we proudly sing our song, be happy for once you grinch you won another series
Danno1
Roar Rookie
unless you lived next door to'em
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I did see George Peponis on the dias after the game though. LOL
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Just like he does each week for the Rabbitohs. He can't defend!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
weakened... FTS!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
McGuire was tackled. The ball carrying arm touches the ground. Had he left it there and momentum carried him across then no argument. But he didn't. That would also have slowed his momentum to the line. Instead he lifts his arm, which he is NOT allowed to do and if you watch his elbow he advances the ball slightly. Double movement!
Kathryn
Guest
Great, tough game of footy. With a minute to go, after 239 mins of footy in the series, the scores were level. Teddy- brilliant Cook- getting better & better Lowe- great debut Munster- scary Pearce- happy for him. Knights have been good for him. Blues- WINNERS, although I was feeling ill at the 79th minute....... Tough fought battle. GO FREDDIE, YOU GOOD THING!
rahte
Guest
This is what Tigers fans have been saying all year.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Yet, you LOST! Thanks for playing. Come again next year and join the Blues in celebrating their "3-peat".
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
He's having a shot at me Emcie. Fir Dwarf read "Smurf". A handle he BEGGED me to use. I bet Brutus begged Caesar to go to the Senate on the Ides of March as well.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
NSW are back to back Origin CHAMPIONS! BLUE DAWN!!!!! LOL
Dutski
Roar Guru
Morgs could be Out r a while.