New South Wales secured a commanding 18-6 victory over Queensland in the State of Origin opener, demonstrating their dominance, especially in the first half. The Blues scored three tries, highlighted by a brilliant catch and pass from Latrell Mitchell to Brian To'o. Despite their win, NSW kickers Nathan Cleary and Zac Lomax struggled, only converting one of five attempts. The Maroons, now facing their first two-game losing streak at home since 1997, managed to score one try through Xavier Coates but fell short against the Blues' pressure, especially toward the end, capped by a miraculous effort from Dylan Edwards.
Much of the pre-match discussion had centred around the ability of the Maroons' rookie centre Rob Toia to be able to contain Mitchell. Ultimately the 20-year-old acquitted himself well, and it was actually the Blues centre who experienced a mixed night.
Victory was sealed with seven minutes to go with a miracle try for fullback Dylan Edwards. Sustained Blues pressure on the Maroons' line ended with a kick and one-handed take from Lomax.
Collection
[
|
...
]