The Queensland Maroons secured a dominant victory over the NSW Blues in the State of Origin opener.
Maroons Fly Out of the Blocks
Queensland started strongly, applying pressure to the Blues’ defence. The Maroons advanced quickly, with Munster, Ponga, and Tabuai-Fidow all involved. Tabuai-Fidow eventually scored, with Munster providing the grubber kick.
Walker successfully converted, extending Queensland’s lead. Queensland secured the restart set, and Munster kicked deep into the Blues’ corner.
NSW then made an error coming out of defence, with To’o losing the ball under contact. An offside penalty allowed Walker to extend the Maroons’ lead further.
Blues Under Pressure as Errors Mount
Queensland continued to surge forward, with Tino offloading to Grant. Capewell also featured as the Maroons advanced. To’o knocked on under pressure, handing possession back to Queensland.
The Maroons capitalised on the error, with Tabuai-Fidow scoring again. Munster provided the assist, dabbing the grubber through.
Walker again converted, further increasing Queensland’s advantage. NSW’s struggles continued, with To’o making another error, gifting Queensland possession 40m out.
Brief Blues Revival Proves Insufficient
The Blues showed some signs of life, with Crichton and Strange making strong runs. However, their attack ultimately broke down. Tedesco won a penalty, giving NSW a lifeline.
Strange put in a big hit on Munster. Olakau’atu ran strongly, but could not break the Queensland line.
Flegler Scores After Injury Agony
After a period of sustained pressure, Grant offloaded to Flegler, who crashed over to score. This ended an agonising three-year injury.
Carrigan came off the bench to set Queensland back in motion. Cotter and Plath were also busy.
The Blues will need a comeback to get back into this contest.