Josh Addo-Carr’s stunning solo try contributed to New South Wales’ triumphant win, with a skillful chip and recover dealing a blow to Queensland in the State of Origin’s third match.
New South Wales (18) 24
Tries: To’o, Addo-Carr, Best 2 Goals: Crichton 4
Queensland (10) 10
Tries: Fifita, Tabuai-Fidow Goals: Holmes
In the climactic third and final game of the 2023 State of Origin series, New South Wales averted a Queensland clean sweep with a decisive win.
Brian To’o, Josh Addo-Carr, and Bradman Best scored tries, propelling the Blues to an 18-10 lead at half-time against Queensland’s David Fifita and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The second half unfolded as a close contest, with the deadlock broken by Best’s critical second try. This ensured a home victory for the Blues in Sydney, staving off a series whitewash.
This victory, in the wake of a series-opening loss in Adelaide and a second defeat at Queensland’s formidable Suncorp stronghold, was a welcome comeback for the Blues and their embattled coach Brad Fittler.
Fittler’s strategic changes, such as reconfiguring the halves with Cody Walker and introducing debutants like Newcastle centre Best and South Sydney back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi, served to deliver a much-needed check to the Maroons’ dominance.
The Blues’ strategic direction, steered by Walker and lock Cameron Murray, punctured Queensland’s right-edge defense repeatedly, with Addo-Carr’s notable solo try, a chip and gather, highlighting one such powerful shift.
Best’s tries followed the same pattern, with Walker providing the pivotal pass for the first, and captain Tedesco tearing through the defense to assist with the second, match-winning score.
To’o’s try, set up by a deft Koloamatangi tip-on after Addo-Carr had made a run down the other side, further bolstered the Blues’ score.
Billy Slater’s Maroons, despite their loss, exhibited the form that made them series winners, with props Lindsay Collins and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui putting pressure on the Blues’ line. Additionally, Tabuai-Fidow enhanced his standing with a dynamic performance.
Fifita’s try resulted from a Munster kick to the corner, deftly tapped back by Tabuai-Fidow, who also mirrored Addo-Carr’s brilliant grubber and touchdown.
In spite of their efforts, the Blues remained resolute in their defense and were deserving of their victory. The Queenslanders, while disappointed, found some consolation in receiving the winner’s shield on the ‘enemy’ territory.
New South Wales: Tedesco; To’o, Crichton, Best, Addo-Carr; Walker, Moses; J. Trbojevic, Cook, Campbell-Gillard, Martin, Koloamatangi, Murray
Interchanges: Yeo, J. Saifiti, Robson, Gutherson
Queensland: Brimson; Coates, Holmes, Tabuai-Fidow, Taulagi; Munster, Cherry-Evans; Cotter, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Fifita, Nanai, Carrigan
Interchanges: Hunt, Collins, Fotuaika, Horsburgh
Referee: Ashley Klein
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about State of Origin 2023
Who won the third game of the 2023 State of Origin series?
New South Wales won the third game of the 2023 State of Origin series, defeating Queensland 24-10 in Sydney.
What prevented Queensland from achieving a clean sweep in the 2023 State of Origin series?
Queensland was denied a clean sweep in the 2023 State of Origin series by New South Wales, who won the third and final game.
Who were the key players in New South Wales’ victory?
Brian To’o, Josh Addo-Carr, and Bradman Best were instrumental in New South Wales’ victory, each scoring tries. Addo-Carr particularly stood out with a stunning solo try.
How did New South Wales’ coach Brad Fittler contribute to the victory?
Brad Fittler, the coach of New South Wales, made strategic changes to the team, including reconfiguring the halves with Cody Walker and introducing debutants like Newcastle centre Best and South Sydney back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi.
Did Queensland perform well in the match despite the defeat?
Yes, Queensland put up a solid performance despite the defeat. Players like Lindsay Collins, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow made notable contributions to the game.
Where was the third game of the 2023 State of Origin series played?
The third game of the 2023 State of Origin series was played in Sydney.
More about State of Origin 2023
- State of Origin Official Website
- New South Wales Rugby League Official Website
- Queensland Rugby League Official Website
- Player Profile: Josh Addo-Carr
- Player Profile: Brad Fittler
5 comments
so stoked for the blues! denied a sweep, that’s the spirit!! Go Addo-Carr!
All credit to NSW but the Maroons weren’t bad either…Fifita, Tabuai-Fidow put in solid performances. Can’t wait for next season’s faceoff!
tough loss for us maroons but we still won the series!! better luck next time blues!
Great response from the boys after those first 2 losses! Fittler’s changes really worked out, paid off in spades!
Fantastic match! To’o, Best, and especially Addo-Carr were on fire! Bring on next year!