Blues set for Brisbane decider after Game Two defeat

The Westpac NSW Blues will need to conjure another heroic performance in Brisbane to claim the Ampol State of Origin series after going down 44-24 to Queensland in Game Two at the MCG in Melbourne tonight.

NSW started the match strongly, and led 12-2 early in the first half, but fell away after the break with Queensland putting their foot down after the Blues were reduced to 12 players when centre Kotoni Staggs was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga.

It was a missed opportunity for the Blues, after they produced the biggest comeback in Origin history to claim Game One 22-20 in Sydney, and they only needed to win in Melbourne to reclaim the Shield. 

The final match at Suncorp Stadium will prove a challenge for the Blues as they have only won a decider at the ground three times since Origin moved to a three-match series in 1982, but they have shown they can handle the pressure after winning there for the past two years.

NSW fullback James Tedesco put the performance down to the Blues being “out enthused” by Queensland in most areas of the game.

“We were just on the back foot there for the second half, we weren’t good enough,” Tedesco said.

“They came out with a lot, they gave us everything they had. It was disappointing but we’ve got an opportunity up at Suncorp for a decider.

“I think we were just out enthused. They lost the first game and had everything to lose tonight, they out enthused us in most areas so that’s something we’ve got to look at for sure.

“We wanted to get it done tonight, finish the series in Melbourne, but now we’ve got our backs against the wall at Suncorp, and it will feel even sweeter to get the win up there.” 

NSW had an imposing record at the MCG, having won five of the past six games at the iconic ground, with their most recent performance being a 38-18 victory in Game Two of the 2024 series.

The Blues were desperate to overcome a sluggish start that had plagued them for their past three games, and they started the match with much more intent than they showed in Game One.

Queensland took an early 2-0 lead through a penalty goal to Sam Walker but NSW hit back from the kick-off after Maroons prop Tom Flegler spilled the ball. It was picked up by debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase who drew the defence before popping a pass around the corner for Kotoni Staggs to collect and stretch out to score. Halfback Nathan Cleary converted for a 6-2 lead.

The Blues extended their lead after Cleary attempted a grubber kick before regathering the ball and floating a pass over the top for Nawaqanitawase to score his first try in a sky blue jersey in the corner. Cleary converted to put the Blues further in front 12-2.

Queensland hit back on the back of a line-break from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow before Tedesco cut him down. The Maroons spread the ball wide with Max Plath turning a ball back for Trent Loiero to score, and Walker converted to reduce the deficit to 12-8.

Walker was penalised for a high tackle on NSW centre Toluta’u Koula with the Blues electing to take their chances and run the ball. The move looked to have paid off when Nawaqanitawase showed great skill to plant the ball down, but replays showed it was on the line after Selwyn Cobbo arrived just in time to bundle him over the sideline.

NSW put themselves under pressure after replacement forward Victor Radley gave away back-to-back penalties for high tackles. They were then forced to defend set after set on their own line but proved up to the challenge to repel the Maroons and hang on to a 12-8 lead at half-time.

The Blues had an early chance in the second half after a clearing kick from Mitch Moses came off Plath and into the arms of winger Brian To’o who made a half-break, but they were unable to capitalise with play breaking down soon after.

Queensland then hit back after a bomb was collected by Rob Toia, with the Maroons spreading the ball for Cameron Munster who kicked across field for Cobbo to score in the corner. Walker landed the conversion from the sideline for a 14-12 lead.

A knock-on from To’o defending his own line presented Queensland with another opportunity and they took full advantage with a set play from a scrum that culminated with Cobbo scoring his second try of the night. Walker converted for a 20-12 lead.

A break from Harry Grant and fullback Kalyn Ponga paved the way for their next try with a kick from Munster isolating To’o. Maroons winger Jojo Fifita leapt high to grab the ball and touch down in the corner. Walker converted for a 26-12 lead.

The Blues received a chance when Lindsay Collins knocked on from the kick-off and they took advantage with Nawaqanitawase showing great skill – and great footwork – to stutter step his way past three defenders to grab his second try for the night. Cleary landed the sideline conversion to give the Blues some hope at 26-18.

The joy was short-lived with Staggs rushing up in defence to hit Ponga with a high tackle which earned him a 10-minute stint in the sin bin. The play still unfolded with the Maroons making a break down the sideline and Cobbo setting up Tabuai-Fidow for a try in the corner. Walker converted for a 32-18 lead.

Queensland went even further in front after Grant made a break from dummy-half to send Collins over the line for a try. Walker converted for a 38-18 lead. Cobbo scored his hat-trick with less than 10 minutes remaining and Walker maintained his perfect night with the boot to make it 44-18.

The Blues grabbed a consolation try at the end when Cameron Murray put Mitch Barnett over the line. Cleary converted for a final scoreline of 44-24, leaving the Blues needing to win in Brisbane to claim the series.