New South Wales has delivered one of the most unexpected victories in State of Origin history, silencing Suncorp Stadium with a commanding 30-12 win over Queensland in Game 3. This remarkable turnaround saw the Blues clinch the series 2-1, defying weeks of criticism and a challenging start to the series, which included a heavy defeat in Melbourne.
Under intense scrutiny, particularly coach Laurie Daley, the New South Wales team showcased a formidable performance, scoring five tries against a Queensland side that had been dominant in previous encounters. The architect of this improbable triumph was Nathan Cleary, whose exceptional control and execution throughout the match earned him the prestigious Wally Lewis Medal as Man of the Series. Cleary's contribution included two crucial tries and a perfect record of five goals from five attempts, solidifying his legacy in the Origin arena.
Cleary's strategy for the decider was reportedly a singular focus on 'control', a stark contrast to his performance in Game 2 where he missed an Origin record 10 tackles during a significant second-half collapse. In the series decider, NSW dominated the first half, with Cleary steering the team's offence and orchestrating plays. His halves partner, Mitchell Moses, consistently relieved pressure with long kicks, while forwards like Liam Martin and Hudson Young provided powerful carries.
Despite early near-misses, including a bobbled pass from debutant Jack Bostock and a fumbled attempt by Mark Nawaqanitawase, NSW eventually broke the deadlock. Cleary himself opened the scoring, converting a slow play-the-ball into a try by stepping through the Queensland defence. He then added a second try following a brilliant setup involving Stephen Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase, extending NSW's lead to 12-0. Cameron Murray further widened the gap, pushing the score to 18-0 and momentarily silencing the home crowd.
Queensland managed to find a response just before half-time, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scoring his 14th Origin try after an error from Nawaqanitawase. The second half saw a refreshed Queensland side, with Reece Walsh entering the game and swiftly contributing to a try for Selwyn Cobbo, narrowing the deficit. However, a contentious aerial contest saw Bradman Best scoop up the ball and race away, further reigniting the Blues' momentum and ultimately securing their historic victory.
The victory marks a significant achievement for New South Wales, demonstrating resilience and tactical prowess in the face of adversity. For Queensland, the defeat will undoubtedly prompt reflection, particularly concerning the contentious calls that went against them, but the history books will record a memorable upset by the Blues.