And here’s Matt Cleary’s match report:
NSW win the State of Origin series 2-1
Final thoughts
What a brilliant game; one to cap a brilliant series.
This one will be spoken about for a while. Both sides engineered opportunities to claim the shield, but NSW was ultimately just in front. Not that anyone would have ventured that with two minutes to go in game three.
I wrote earlier that NSW were comfortable in the chaos, while QLD craved control. The Blues were able to create some chaos in the second half, and ultimately profited with a long-range try to seal the game, and enter Origin folklore with it.
Earlier, QLD had surged back into the game with two tries in 10 minutes to even the ledger. The 4 million strong audience would have collectively thought it was another QLD fairytale come to life, but Tedesco’s on-the-bell try drove a stake through the mythology, giving NSW the series.
The match had everything, and in the wash-up, it won’t be cheesy to say that both sides threw absolutely everything at it. As Kevin Walters said, the first half was QLDs best forty minutes in the series – some statement after what they produced in game one. However NSW were able to capitalise on some fatigue once the referees stopped blowing penalties, allowing them to take a seemingly unassailable 12 point lead with 10 minutes left. ‘Seemingly’, the operative word.
What do you say about Queensland - who roared back to life with 10 minutes to go when they were absolutely spent? Where do they find that belief and resilience? If you’re not from there, I guess you’ll never know.
That reality made Tedesco’s on-the-bell try all the more special. Make no mistake, this joins the ranks of great Origin moments. It may not jolt Mark Coyne’s effort from the pantheon, but it may well go down as the most dramatic try in Blues history to date, scored by someone well on the way to greatness.
If you’ve joined us at any point through the series, a big thank you. It was a pleasure doing the MBM on this tonight. It was League’s great showcase - and once the referees got out of the way, it delivered in spades.
Until next time.
NSW Captain Boyd Cordner does more thanking. “It was a different sort of feeling in camp, from the first game, and we got the series.”
QLD captain Daly Cherry Evans is then invited to the stage, thanking everyone too. “We have to remember this feeling boys,” he says, “...and chase it all again”
James Tedesco is the Wally Lewis Player of the Series
Easy decision, too! Tedesco graciously thanks everyone, before departing the stage.
Pearce: “It’s great to be back. We had to chance our arm there. I’m glad to be part of it, it’s been a long time coming. My Origin career’s been up and down. I feel very humbled to be trusted.”
Cordner: “It’s unbelievable mate. We worked so hard. We had to win the last two. Mate, what a finish. At home, in front of our home fans, our home set.
When it got to 20-all
Cordner: “Stay composed, stay relaxed. We didn’t want to go in our shell, keep our intensity. We went through some passing plays and Teddy...he’s a freak.
Munster: “They came out hard that second half. I thought we had ‘em to be honest. Shows you what Origin is like. It’s frustrating mate...”
Tedesco: “It’s unbelievable. We got a bit too comfortable. I thought it was going to golden point. To win it here in front of the crowd is unbelievable.”
Conversion: NSW 26-20 QLD
That settles that. What a brilliant series that was. We’ll have some words from players and coaches to follow.
This is quite funny, they’ve not taken the conversion, they’ve instead started celebrating and everyone’s on the field. The refs want it taken. Maloney will do the honours. And would you believe it, he kicks it from the sideline.
Try: NSW 24-20 QLD
How about that? NSW snatch victory on the bell! And it’s that man Tedesco! Wow...
78 min: Some confusion - commentators say in the event of a draw, it goes to golden point. I’m sure they play 10 mins of extra time regardless of points, before it goes to golden point. QLD surge downfield, Cherry Evans gets in position but bombs instead. NSW will struggle to get in position for a field goal here.
But hang on! They make a break, it’s Ferguson down the touchline, stays inside touch, inside to Tedesco, slips inside Mbye, and scores!
Conversion: NSW 20-20 QLD
Nails it! Not the easiest kick, but he drilled it through.
Try: NSW 20-18 QLD
Can you believe it? (Yes) Lowe’s charge-down may well go down in folklore. DCE then slips it to Papalii with NSW disorganised, between Cordner and Maloney, and the big man goes over. HUGE KICK to come...16 m in from touch, on his wrong side for a right footer.
75 min: DCE kicks to the corner, Ferguson takes it. Five minutes to go, NSW ball. Just getting to risk stations for QLD. The Blues go 32 m and kick from halfway. Charged down by Ethan Lowe! They’ve got the ball 20 out now with four tackles! Short ball from DCE to Papalii, he scores!
73 min: Easy metres for QLD, which featured a copybook tackle from Jack Wighton as Chambers tried to round him. NSW bring it out now, they spread it on the fourth, before Maloney kicks to Gain on the fifth. QLDs first tackle on their 20m line. “No NSW player out there has ever won a decider,” says Gould. “No QLDer has ever lost one.”
Conversion: NSW 20-14 QLD
Easy for Lowe. There’s a try in it. 10 minutes to go.
Try: NSW 20-12 QLD
Norman somehow didn’t score on the earlier play, but a huge surge from Josh McGuire sees him slide over the line - the try given after a look at a double movement. Don’t look now Blues, the QLD comeback is on.
Looks like a try to McGuire!
69 min: Now, a huge sequence! Maloney bombs, Munster takes over Trbojevic, who leaves a hole, and Oates is away! Cameron Murray just slows him down, before Jack Trbojevic makes the tackle. Close to the line, and DCE chips toward the posts and Frizell gives away a penalty for an escort. Here comes Queensland!
66 min: Norman bombs out on the full! They are full of mistakes now, Queensland. That was a chance to pin NSW, but poor execution allows NSW a way out. A two try advantage still doesn’t seem enough for NSW - and is entirely borne of historical pain - so they keep going. Tedesco then makes a break, but NSW can’t find their way over. The ball goes left, but Wighton loses it trying to feed Addo-Carr. QLD comes away again. There is still light for them, but only a slither.
64 min: NSW keep throwing punches, QLD survive. First, Pearce tries to step through. Tackled. Then Maloney. Tackled. Finally, a dropped ball from NSW and QLD are off the hook. QLD look fatigued, but there are surely twists left in this.
61 min: Cameron Murray busts through! Brilliant break. He lines up Tedesco to draw and pass, but Munster gets a hand to it! Certain try, saved! After the ensuing plays, Maloney chips for Ferguson but he doesn’t see it. The ball goes touch-in-goal. But then a mistake from QLD, so NSW get another shot. QLD on the ropes here.
Conversion: NSW 20-8 QLD
Another simple one for Maloney. Lots of TV discussion about the fact there were 12 penalties in the first half, and 2 in the second. The new policy has certainly suited NSW, who love the flow.
Try: NSW 18-8 QLD
Incredible try from Damien Cook! 40 out, scoops it up citing tired defence, he evades the markers, gets into the back-field, swerves his way around Munster and scores next to the posts. What speed! NSW looking ominous now...
56 min: Another great set from NSW. DCE saves QLD with a great reflex take of a grubber. QLD come away and then Cameron Murray steals it one-on-one! Pearce then pops a pass that Gagai dives on, and ... does Gagai knock on? No, it’s QLD’s ball. NSW are comfortable in the chaos, QLD crave control. The half is becoming chaotic.
53 min: NSW follow up with an overlap on the left, it’s with Addo-Carr who has some space before he’s forced to kick - it’s a banana back in-field, and Oates comes away with it. Later in the set, the ball comes inside to Oates inside NSWs half and Oates spills it! Pressure from Mitchell Pearce. Two mistakes from QLD now, unexpected too.
Conversion: NSW 14-8 QLD
Maloney from the left touchline. He nails it!
Try: NSW 12-8 QLD
Tedesco goes over! NSW made their way toward the line, before spreading left with two second-man plays. It looked to be a 3-on-2 situation, but the ball was with Tedesco who got in between Chambers and Gagai, and slid over. He’s just brilliant. Maloney lining up from the sideline.
49 min: Cameron Murray is on for NSW - I wonder when we’ll see Wade Graham? QLD surge forward, making metres far more easily than the Blues. DCE now kicks to Addo-Carr, and he beats a player or two after taking the ball. They’re pinned here, NSW, before Maloney spreads the ball to find space. QLD then give away a penalty. NSW will now get a rare shot at the QLD line.
47 min: QLD then make 60 odd metres before kicking to Ferguson. “If the referees stay out of it, the players will decide it,” says Phil Gould. Now Fittler is being interviewed, “I don’t know the penalty count but I can’t remember the last time we got one.” Incidentally, in a recent tackle Josh McGuire has accidentally knocked out Michael Morgan, who looked extremely groggy getting up. He’ll go off for an HIA - would venture he will not be back tonight, especially after being knocked out last week.
45 min: So the armwrestle is on. Set for set. No whistles. Both sides kicking well, especially Maloney into Gagai’s corner. QLD ruck it out but then kick their bomb out on the full - which will cost them about 30m. NSW come away with it and only make 20m before Pearce bombs to Gagai.
43 min: Huge line break from Will Chambers, he goes outside flimsy defence, through the middle, but then loses the ball after Wighton hammers him from behind. Was DCE open there? Don’t think so. But of a fracas afterwards, but everyone’s too tired to throw one.
41 min: Decent set from the Blues to get underway. Wighton kicks to Muster, and now it’s QLDs turn. McGuire (who’s been good) pops a ball to Ethan Lowe - before DCE kicks down to Ferguson’s wing again. Set for set - will NSW try something here?
So here we are, Queensland have shown up, Paul Vautin describes their game two performance as “too bad to be true,” and he’s right. Feels like NSW will have to change something tactically to arrest the momentum of this match. Otherwise, QLD should storm home here.
Billy Slater speaking to Kevin Walters: “That was our best forty minutes in the whole Origin series...”
Andrew Johns is in the NSW sheds, says the message is about defending Munster better, and keeping the ball in play. “When they go set-for-set, they don’t go so well.” Explains the loose nature of their attack. Joey also said they’ve been disappointed with the refs - they need the game to flow.
Billy Slater says “there’s a great mood down here, but they need to watch Tedesco.”
Time to take a breath. Grab a cup of tea, or a schooner, or pint, or whatever you call it, and buckle in for a fascinating second half. Origin is on the line - this is proving one of the great series.
Half Time: NSW 8-8 QLD
We have a potential blockbuster here. Queensland have undoubtedly had the upper-hand, and generally displayed great energy, intent, and attitude in defence, but the scoreboard is even. For the visitors, Munster is proving a handful for the Blues, managing to slice through tired forwards on a number of occasions. Christian Welch and Ethan Lowe have been workhorses, while Josh Papalii and Felise Kaufusi have added power and punch to the defence. Corey Norman is unfazed at this level - it’s all clicking for the Maroons.
For NSW, Mitchell Pearce has been their best - and very involved. His platform hasn’t been as strong as Maloney enjoyed in game two - and the latter has been quiet so far, perhaps for that reason. Paul Vaughan has made a great impact off the bench, and while Tedesco has been marked well, he still managed to wriggle his way downfield to given NSW the impetus for their first try. Cook is growing into the game too, and we’d expect Wade Graham to make an appearance shortly.
Something needs to be said about the over-officiating of the game. Twitter (the great reflection of society) is in an absolute state over Gerard Sutton and Ashley Klein’s fondness for the whistle, especially when so many of the calls have been so benign. Put it away, gentlemen. Let the horses run free.
This game is so poised, it shapes as an absolute cliffhanger. Can the Blues arrest Queensland’s momentum? There is a big scent of game one about this. If they manage to, they’ll need to change something, as Queensland are owning the middle and the edges.
Billy Slater interviewing DCE, leaving the field: “We showed our intentions early, we played decent football. We’ve gotta stay disciplined and get the penalties out.”
39 min: DCE attempts a field-goal just on half-time from 35m out. He hits it decently but it’s wide. That’s half-time, a few thoughts to follow.
37 min: Helter-skelter football from the Blues, who couldn’t find a kicker on tackle five before Pearce loosely hoicked one in the air, leaving space. Munster then finds a tired NSW forward and busts the line, before Tedesco takes him. The Blues eventually come away, and struggle to get off their line - they look extremely tired. Pearce kicks long, and here comes QLD again.
Conversion: NSW 8-8 QLD
Elementary for Maloney, just adjacent to the posts. Tedesco got NSW going there, essentially from nowhere. Can they maintain the momentum?
Try: NSW 6-8 QLD
Great run from the big man, and great pass from Cook who found a rampaging Vaughan, who took three defenders with him. NSW finally find a foothold in the match.
33 min: Great run from Tedesco, he goes 50 m ducking, weaving, running through the line. He gets NSW on the front foot and they get a penalty, on tackle two (WHY). NSW take the tap, are given another penalty, tap again, and a couple of tackles later Paul Vaughan appears to crash over! We’re going to the video, Ashley Klein thinks it’s a try, and it is!
30 min: QLD are defending ferociously here, like the second half of game one. They are here tonight, and they’re dominating. Still, NSW manage a strong set and we’re battling territory now. Amazing there’s been no whistle for three sets. Munster kicks to Ferguson (that’s the tactic), and NSW ruck it out.
Penalty: NSW 2-8 QLD
An easy shot for Lowe, just to the right of the posts. QLD are on top, the referees having the biggest say.
26 min: Both sides trade solid sets, and there’s a heavy hit from Addo-Carr on a falling Gagai after he takes a bomb. Then there’s another penalty for laying on the ball, looked fairly benign, and that’s nine penalties already tonight. Very un-Origin. As I type, there’s yet another penalty for NSW being inside the 10 as QLD attack. QLD will take the two, a fairly easy shot.
22 min: Huge hit from Papalii on Tom Trbojevic, but then another penalty! Cook scoots out of dummy half 30m out, makes some metres before he’s barrelled back two defenders. Vaughan then slips Tedesco through but he knocks on before attempting a pass. QLD ball
19 min: Solid set from the Blues before Pearce lands a bomb just on the QLD goal-line, which Munster takes again. NSW then ragdoll Dane Gagai back in-goal, it appears a great play before there’s a penalty for a flop! Frustrating for the Blues.
16 min: Penalty QLD
A great piggy-back for QLD straight after a try, and DCE kicks them into the Blues half. NSW will have to defend well here, QLD have momentum. They spread wide and Mbye nearly goes over, before Munster bombs, it’s taken by Wighton, and he gets a penalty. Relief for the Blues, they’ll come away from their own half now.
Conversion: NSW 2-6 QLD
Ethan Lowe, the goal-kicking forward, is 20m out, 15m in from touch on his favoured side for a right-footer, and drills it through the middle. QLD have started excellently.
Try: NSW 2-4 Queensland
DCE takes it to the line, goes second man to Corey Norman, Norman then grubbers deftly in-goal and Felise Kaufusi storms onto it, grabs it, and the referee awards it immediately.
13 min: On the fifth, Corey Norman puts up a half bomb that isn’t challenged, but Wighton, who takes it, is driven back in goal and Queensland will get another set.
10 min: Quick hands from NSW 40m out, not too much on, results in a Tom Trbojevic knock-on. Queensland will get a good look at the Blues here and they spread wide early.
A thought: lots of ball movement early in the set. Lots of involvement from Pearce and Maloney. Same goes Munster and Cherry Evans. Each of them are interested in the edges.
9 min: They’re targeting Munster with kicks. Another bomb from Maloney to him - he takes it well, before Frizell tries to absolutely hammer him after he’s landed. It’s unsuccessful.
7 min: NSW get our of their own half well, before conceding a penalty on the first tackle. DCE kicks them out of trouble. Early NSW defence is stiff - three or four players per tackle until Hunt dummies and makes some metres. Will Chambers takes the kick on tackle five - not sure that’s the plan - but it’s well weighted and NSW cart it out 5m from their own line.
Penalty: NSW 2-0 Queensland
Maloney makes no mistake. A settler for the Blues.
4 min: Another penalty to the Blues, again lying on the ruck. It’s 20m out, just adjacent to the posts, NSW will take the two.
3 min: Penalty NSW: lying on the ruck. NSW get first attacking crack.
Updated
2 min: Solid set from NSW, they rolled forward through Klemmer and co with decent metres. They promoted the ball too, Jake Trbojevic showed it and made 12-13 metres. Mitchell Pearce bombs and it’s taken by Munster. Both sides have started well - a little enterprising too.
1 min: NSW kick-off, and Ofahengaue is hit hard by 4 Blues players. Queensland shift the ball early, and manage an offload that gains them some metres. DCE kicks early and almost grabs a 40-20, but for a bounce. Great start from Queensland.
Solid anthem rendition
Delivered by a member from the Chicago cast (I missed her name). Ben Hunt was holding his collar with both hands for some reason.
Phil Gould is providing a short prologue now: “I know we’ll get a response from Queensland tonight. They’ll be infinitely dangerous”
Preston Campbell delivers the Acknowledgement Of Country
“As we gather here tonight, let us stand here with respect for the land and for each other,” he finishes.
NSW finally make it to the field
They kept Queensland waiting a little there. It all adds to the narrative, doesn’t it? Even if there’s no meaning, we’ll create it. Queensland face NSW now, and it’s anthem time.
Here they come!
Lots of talk about the tunnel NSW will walk through to the ground. Fittler has opted for the Blues to warm up at their Centre of Excellence across the road, meaning a long walk into the stadium. A walk they’re taking now, beneath the bowels of the stadium, Sydney Olympics style.
They’re passing illuminated pictures of Origin legends, and Ray Warren tells us ‘it will take around four minutes.’ Fittler walks alongside them.
Meanwhile, in the QLD sheds, Johnathon Thurston merely walks around and hug/chest-bumps the team, and they enter the arena first.
Gould has openly questioned the decision to take an alternate route. Does any of this matter? We’ll know in retrospect. Feels kind of strange, but that’s on brand for Brad Fittler.
15 minutes until kickoff: expect a nailbiter
Of the past seven Origin games played at ANZ Stadium, all have been decided by four points or less. During this time, the winning team has not scored more than 18 points.
Expect QLD to create an armwrestle. The Channel Nine commentary team tend to agree that NSW are stronger across the park, but if QLD can keep it close early, expect history to weigh heavily, and painfully, on the Blues.
Maloney and Pearce are key for NSW tonight
If you’ll permit an earnest piece of analysis, the recalling of Mitch Pearce poses a curious question: who will direct the team around the field? There was something very right about James Maloney controlling proceedings in game two - he is a natural leader who enjoys shouldering responsibility for victory. In fact, at half time in game two, it’s rumoured he literally said ‘give the ball and I will kick us to victory,’ before NSW went on to blitz Queensland.
This time, with Mitchell Pearce called in, Maloney will be working with an experienced campaigner whose natural style is to be the general. They have worked together before - at the Roosters in 2013 - but whether or not they’ll be able to gel on-field tonight will go a long way to deciding NSW’s performance.
Mbye’s elevation is interesting
Mbye to mark Turbo? I don't envy that job #DeepEnd
— William Kevin (@therealbeacon) July 10, 2019
In many ways, Mbye’s task to mark Turbo is probably more about giving Michael Morgan some attacking freedom than anything else.
The teams are in.
There are late changes, because of course there are
- For QLD, Mbye replaces Morgan in the centres (wow)
- Ethan Lowe, on debut, will start
- For NSW, Klemmer will start, and Jake Trbojevic moves to the second row
- He’ll start in the front-row with Daniel Saifiti, and Paul Vaughan moves to the bench.
New South Wales
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. David Klemmer 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dale Finucane 15. Paul Vaughan 16. Cameron Murray 17. Wade Graham
Queensland
1. Cameron Munster 2. Corey Oates 3. Moses Mbye 4. Will Chambers 5. Dane Gagai 6. Corey Norman 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Ben Hunt 10. Josh Papalii 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Josh McGuire 14. Michael Morgan 15. Christian Welch 16. Tim Glasby 17. David Fifita
NSW should win. That’s the problem
There’s a statistical contradiction here tonight. NSW have won just 11 of 37 game threes. Queensland have also dominated deciders, coming out on top on 13 of 19 occasions with the Blues winning just four with another two draws. The Maroons have also won the last seven deciders in 2006, 08, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 17.
That said, they have a poor record at Homebush.
For a sense of how QLD manage to continually ambush NSW when it comes to the crunch, check Matt Cleary’s excellent piece for The Guardian here:
Preamble
Good morning, afternoon or evening wherever you are,
It is upon us. Origin Three. The Decider. There are few sports that so brutally make or break reputations in such unapologetic tabloid style, and that’s part of what makes Origin so great. Tonight will prove pivotal for names like Pearce, Maloney, Fittler, Walters, Cherry Evans, and Bradley Charles Stubbs. We are all completely here for it.
In fact, it’s fair to ask: has there ever been a more Origin story arc than this, the 2019 edition? Probably. But in the pantheon of Origin series, this one is proving right up there. Leading into tonight, we’ve had Keary’s injury, The Coach Whisperer, refusal to publicly name the NSW team and players, Freddy (and Gus’s?) game two axings, Turbo’s return, Mbye’s (alleged) near death. Moses is still alive, and the script has been magnificent
To recap, Queensland took out game one after dominating the majority of the match at home, NSW then replied with a scorching 38-6 victory in the driving rain in Perth, and we head to Homebush tonight – in what appears to be clear weather – for the decider.
All rationality points toward a NSW victory, which is why history suggests the rag tag Maroons will win.
I’ll be posting latest news, a few preview pieces, some stats, and various unverified thoughts before kick-off, which is officially scheduled for 8.10 (I’ll guess 8.16pm AST).
In the mean time, you hit me up with any thoughts, conspiracies, script wishes, genuine analysis or otherwise at sam.perry.freelance@guardian.com, or the Twitter machine: @sjjperry
