State of Origin: Queensland retain series with dominant win over New South Wales

Queensland Retains State of Origin Series with Commanding Victory over New South Wales

Queensland emerged victorious in the 2023 State of Origin series, delivering a dominant performance against New South Wales at a spirited Suncorp Stadium.

Val Holmes and Murray Taulagi each scored tries, allowing Queensland to build a comfortable 10-0 lead by halftime, despite surrendering a significant amount of possession.

Holmes secured his second try after the break, solidifying Queensland’s control over the match. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow further asserted the Maroons’ dominance with a fourth try.

Damien Cook managed to score a try for the Blues, while Xavier Coates and Jeremiah Nanai added to the blow-out scoreline with their own tries.

The game descended into chaos in the final moments as Josh Addo-Carr was sin-binned for throwing a punch with only 20 seconds remaining. Jarome Luai and Reece Walsh were also sent off for exchanging headbutts.

Billy Slater, the legendary former Australian international player, successfully transitioned into coaching, leading the Maroons to consecutive series victories for the first time since 2017. Under his guidance, a group of young and determined players transformed into a formidable team.

Slater’s astute selection of New Zealand Warriors full-back Walsh as the custodian, alongside Samoa’s Tabuai-Fidow in the center position, paid off handsomely as both players made significant contributions in both defense and attack.

The experienced halves pairing of Daly Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster provided the necessary control and creativity to dismantle the Blues, despite conceding numerous turnovers.

Holmes scored his first try from a well-executed kick by Cherry-Evans that eluded Addo-Carr. Munster’s strategic chip caused confusion, allowing Nanai to secure the try.

Throughout the match, Queensland persistently targeted the Blues’ left-edge defense, resulting in points being scored through Holmes’ second try and Taulagi’s score, facilitated by precise passing.

Brad Fittler’s position as head coach of New South Wales could be in jeopardy following this defeat, despite winning three of the last six series. Although his team had possession advantage, their lack of creativity near the Queensland goal-line and resolute defense proved costly.

Mitchell Moses filled in at half-back in the absence of Nathan Cleary, displaying some promising moments. However, the early departure of Tom Trbojevic due to a pectoral injury was a significant setback.

Try-scorer Damien Cook made a valiant effort in an unfamiliar position, but the absence of a key attacking player was evident at times, resulting in disjointed play on that side of the field.

The wounded Blues’ primary objective now is to prevent a clean sweep on their home turf when game three takes place in Sydney on Wednesday, July 12.

Queensland Lineup: Walsh; Coates, Holmes, Tabuai-Fidow, Taulagi; Munster, Cherry-Evans; Flegler, Hunt, Fa’asuamaleaui, Fifita, Cotter, Carrigan

Interchanges: Grant, Flegler, Nanai, Fotuaika

New South Wales Lineup: Tedesco; To’o, Crichton, Trbojevic, Addo-Carr; Luai, Moses; Paulo, Robson, Haas, Frizell, Young, Yeo

Interchanges: Utoikamanu, Murray, Martin, Cook

Referee: Ashley Klein

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