The New South Wales Blues defeated the Queensland Maroons 22-20 on Wednesday in the opening game of the State of Origin series [1].
The victory marks a significant psychological shift in the series opener, as New South Wales erased a massive lead to secure a home-ground win at Sydney Olympic Stadium.
New South Wales produced what a New Zealand Herald reporter called one of the greatest comebacks in history to secure the 22-20 win [1]. The Blues managed to overcome a 20-point deficit [2] to steal the victory from the Maroons.
The match shifted dramatically following a disciplinary action against Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga. Ponga was sent off after receiving a red card for a shoulder charge [2].
With the Maroons playing a man down, the Blues capitalized on the numerical advantage in the final moments of the game. James Tedesco scored a spectacular try with 90 seconds remaining on the clock [2].
This late score capped off the 20-point rally and sealed the result for the home side [2]. The win provides New South Wales with a 1-0 lead in the series as they head into the next clash.
Jonathan Howcroft of The Guardian said the Blues stole the opener from the Maroons [3].
“New South Wales produced one of the greatest comebacks in history to defeat Queensland 22-20.”
The result places Queensland in a precarious position for the remainder of the series. Losing a game after holding a 20-point lead suggests a collapse in defensive composure, while the loss of Kalyn Ponga due to a red card creates a potential disciplinary or selection void for the Maroons in Game II.
