State of Origin Match Report by Toby Rosengarten

State of Origin: First Half report

Finally. New South Wales stand up and look like a force to be reckoned with. From the first set of six and kick deep into Queensland territory the Blues looked powerful, more so than they had in the past few years. Despite some questionable handling from Tamou, the forward pack made good metres every set and looked more than comfortable facing up against Queensland’s big men. Particular mentions should go to Luke Lewis and Trent Merrin, both of whom set off like a bull to a red rag whenever they got the ball.

The Blues successfully nullified the Maroons’ attack in the first 20 minutes, to the point where even Inglis looked lethargic when running the ball. Some poor kicking from Cooper Cronk, coupled with the fact that Thurston can’t kick due to the leg injury he’s carried into the match, have allowed NSW to make good metres to start a set of 6. The Blues’ first try was just good football, with some good hit-ups and simple passing allowing the strength and leg drive of Hayne to plant the ball over the line. 

The Jennings try was simply brilliant. The pick-up, tackle evasion and then strength to push through Queensland defenders to the line was amazing, and it’s the one per centers like that which fire up a team, especially in the crucial five minutes before half time. The refereeing has, surprisingly, been lenient. Both referees, particularly Klein, have been reluctant to use the whistle and even the most die-hard New South Welshmen wouldn’t have been surprised if Paul Gallen had been sin binned 30 seconds before half time.

A completion rate of about 75% for both teams shows how even handed the match has been. What is separating the sides is a slight advantage to NSW in possession, and they haven’t wasted it when they’ve had the ball.

Don’t count out Queensland just yet, but the Blues certainly seem to be the better team judging by the first half. Look for Cronk’s kicking game to improve, helped by Cameron Smith taking some of the pressure off, and Queensland’s powerful outside backs to warm up and get going, particularly the twin Australian representatives Inglis and Hodges.

State of Origin: Second Half Report and Match Wrap-up

What a match. As expected, Queensland certainly didn’t roll over in the second half, and NSW had to fight all the way to go up 1-0 in the series. Also as expected, Hodges and Inglis kicked up a few gears and combined for the Maroons’ only try of the match. Despite winning the half six points to nil, Queensland simply couldn’t break through the Blue’s defence, even when it seemed NSW were out on their feet with 10 minutes to go.

Jarryd Hayne was outstanding at fullback, in both attack and defence. His vision in attack when rebounding off Queensland kicks set the platform for solid tackle sets for the Blues, while his last line of defence efforts saved a number of tries, particularly a line break from Billy Slater late in the half. The forwards stood up particularly in defence in the second half, with Lewis, Merrin and especially Greg Bird making crucial tackles resulting in turnovers and halting the Maroons’ momentum. Bird’s one-on-one tackle on Sam Thaiday with 5 minutes to go forced the ball loose and effectively sealed the game for NSW. All of the Blues’ backs played well, in both attack and defence, and Jennings looked dangerous whenever he touched the ball.

For Queensland, Cameron Smith stood up as predicted and handled much of the kicking in the second half, and it showed. Thurston was clearly hampered by whatever injury he carried into the match, and Cronk didn’t have the spark in attack we’re used to seeing from him. Sam Thaiday was his usual damaging self, but Queensland’s front rowers Scott and Shillington were unsighted throughout the match and it hurt the Maroons’ forward momentum. The bench was probably the highlight for Queensland, with Parker and Gillett performing well and McQueen was adequate on debut.

I agree with the official Man of the Match, and that is Luke Lewis, because he wasn’t only rock solid in defence, but made at least 10 metres every time he touched the ball. He was terrific on kick chases and clearly put in everything he had.

Queensland definitely picked up in the second half, and came close to scoring and were denied by the video referee (correctly). NSW dug very deep and deserved to win. Bring on Game 2!

Thanks for reading,

Toby Rosengarten