In rugby league’s marquee interstate showdown, the Queensland Maroons delivered a masterclass at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, leaving the NSW Blues scrambling for answers in a State of Origin match that will be talked about for years.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was among the try-scorers as Queensland built a commanding lead. Jojo Fifita produced one of the night’s most jaw-dropping moments, leaping “AFL-style” above Brian To’o to claim a spectacular aerial try. NSW’s evening went from bad to worse when Kotoni Staggs was sin-binned for 10 minutes after a high shot on Queensland’s Kalyn Ponga, leaving the Blues a man down at a pivotal moment.
New South Wales did manage a bright spot: Mark Nawaqanitawase scored a brilliant corner try after Queensland’s captain’s challenge backfired — the Maroons unsuccessfully challenged a shoulder charge call on Young against Lindsay Collins, and the resulting play handed NSW a lifeline. But it was too little, too late. The Maroons’ dominance was comprehensive, and the Blues were left to “only watch on.”
