NSW conjure comeback for the ages to snatch State of Origin game one from Queensland

New South Wales produced a major comeback to defeat Queensland 22-20 with one minute remaining. Nathan Cleary delivered the decisive impact by scoring a crucial try and kicking three clutch goals to give the Blues a 1-0 lead in the Origin Shield race. Queensland started strongly despite being the underdog, scoring three converted tries in the first 20 minutes and leading 20-0. Early NSW errors, including Mitch Barnett’s fumble, helped Queensland attack the right edge through Kalyn Ponga. Cleary later steadied NSW, shifting momentum and enabling the Blues to close the gap and finish with a narrow win at Accor Stadium.

"New South Wales have conjured one of the greatest State of Origin comebacks, fighting back from 20-0 down to snatch a 22-20 victory with a minute on the clock. Nathan Cleary was the hero for the home side, scoring a crucial try and kicking three clutch goals to put the Blues one-nil up in their quest to win back the Origin Shield."

"Despite claiming underdog status, Billy Slater's Queensland side came out swinging and scored three converted tries in the first 20 minutes until Cleary, who many critics claim has never mastered the Origin format, steadied the ship and swung the momentum back to the Blues in front of 79,186 delirious fans at Accor Stadium in Sydney."

"Both sides were fielding Generation Next sides, untried halves combinations and a few wildcards on the bench, but it was the home side who showed the early nerves. Mitch Barnett's fumble in the second minute let Kalyn Ponga launch a campaign of terror on the Blues' right edge. Sam Walker sensed the panic and dinked a neat kick for Robert Toia to touch down, the Roosters debutants combining for first points."

"At 12-0, Blues blood was in the water and Queensland went into a frenzy of hot potato football. After winning back his own bomb from a Brian To-o fumble, Munster dropped the ball on to his lethal left foot and the Hammer came down, Tabuai-Fidow sweeping in to make it three tries inside"

Read at www.theguardian.com