State of Origin’s most dominant dynasty ever produced its most perfect performance to send skipper Darren Lockyer out a winner in history’s most-anticipated interstate contest.
Queensland sealed their sixth straight series victory 34-22 in the decider at Suncorp Stadium tonight, which doubled as their captain’s interstate farewell after 36 appearances in maroon.
Except for three minutes to close the first half when NSW scored twice, the hosts were never threatened in front of a parochial, ground-record-equalling crowd of 52,498.
The Maroons raced to an unassailable 24-0 lead after 33 minutes thanks to an unheard advantage in possession (they made 66 tackles to NSW’s 157 and had a staggering 81%-19% edge in territory).
Queensland’s big guns fired, with Greg Inglis, Sam Thaiday, man of the series Cameron Smith, and Jharal Yow Yeh benefitting from classy lead-up work by Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater in an irresistible opening half hour.
Lockyer, who is destined to become Australia’s most capped player at every level (club, interstate and international), declared the red-hot start was the key to Queensland’s decisive and devastating triumph.
“We started fantastic, to their (NSW) credit they fought back,” Lockyer said.
“It’s a fantastic way to finish, I have never been so nervous, it’s such a great feeling of relief.
“It has been a great journey, all of the Queenslanders out there, it’s been a pleasure.”
Thaiday – who is yet to confirm if he’ll add to his 30 Origins next year – proclaimed the triumph the zenith of Queensland’s all-conquering dynasty.
“This win is such a big one, Lockyer’s last game, all the adversity we’ve faced, I’m so proud we have done it,” he said.
“We spoke about starting really well, that’s where we won the game.”
After Queensland took control with four tries inside 35 minutes, NSW hit back through Minichiello (36th minute) and Akila Uate (seven seconds before half-time) for a 24-10 deficit at half-time.
The first 15 minutes of the second stanza were dominated by NSW’s sub-par kicking game, which dashed chances to eat into the margin, or build pressure similar to what Queensland levelled on the visitors in the first period.
Thurston went down with a serious knee injury in the 56th minute; the Cowboys half was cleaned up by team-mate Ashley Harrison as the duo combined to make a tackle.
The Dally M favourite had to take a medicab from the field and was in a wheelchair when the post-game celebrations started. His season is feared to be over.
Lockyer, who had been outshined by his teammates to this point, had a leading hand in arguably Queensland’s try of the series in the 65th minute; the pivot found Thaiday, who produced a miraculous touch-pass back inside to Slater, who crossed for 28-10.
After Smith’s conversion, Queensland where in again through Inglis, who barged over after a penalty against NSW lock Greg Bird for taking out Lockyer after a kick. Smith added the extras for 34-10, and a record-breaking scoreline looked on the cards.
However, NSW added some respectability to the margin though an eight-point try to Jarryd Hayne after Smith was placed on report for attacking him after he scored and a late try to Bird.
NSW captain Paul Gallen admitted his team came up short in the decisive encounter.
“It’s pretty shattering, we came here pretty confident, we thought we had a chance, but we had to do too much defence in the first half,” he said.
While Queensland were per program, NSW made some late changes, with Hayne moving to centre and Brett Morris onto the wing after Penrith speedster Michael Jennings was ruled out. Glen Stewart came into the starting side in place of injured second rower Beau Scott while Keith Galloway made his debut off the bench.
No comments:
Post a Comment