A burnstorm in the final game of the State of Origin opener went very close to sending Isa Yo’s race to the Golden Point, but Queensland eventually won 16-10 to start the dream of Billy Slater’s initiative as coach.
Referee Ashley Klein was highlighting the law when Queensland’s Kalin Ponga, Ben Hunt and Felice Kaufusi wrestled with Yeo just centimeters away from the try line in front of the post, claiming they gave the Panthers co-captain a last-minute chance to play the ball. .
The Maroons did not cross the trio mark, hanging long enough to prevent Yeo from playing the ball and giving his side a final crack to the spectators, and at the same time attempts to restore Queensland’s Origin Shield began in winning fashion.
As happened: The Maroons kept up the momentum to win the late Blues
Read more: The HIA call to the Blues Star surprised the Greats
Player rating: Blues rookies are ruthlessly exposed
In the second half, the Maroons took advantage of a controversial moment just after half-time, when captain Deli Cherry-Evans cut through the New South Wales defense in a scrum play.
It looked as if blues prop junior Paolo was stuck in the scrum, but the effort was allowed and Valentine Holmes ‘conversion extended the Maroons’ lead to 12-4.
“The natives are restless,” rugby league immortal Andrew Johns said in Nine’s coverage.
“At least,” said Matt Thompson, a caller.
Watch the exclusive live and free Kingdom Origins on Channel 9 and up 9 Now.
Queensland extended their lead to 16-4 when Valentine Holmes crossed the left edge in the 54th minute.
Munster’s invaluable response to the Origin Eye honor
The Cowboys started the Tess match on the left center but moved to the left wing in the 28th minute when Xavier Coates was ruled out with an ankle injury – and would have been the man of the match suitable for the former Shark match.
Holmes made 156 runs and a linebreak and made a great effort as he ran to clear a kick from James Tedesco in the 70th minute, denying a possible attempt by Nathan Cleary in the process.
The Blues’ fading hopes were heightened in the 72nd minute when second-rower Cameron Murray exploded as Jarome Louie Short and went dot down, reducing the deficit to NSW 16-10.
NRL Premiership 2022 Live and Stream Free 9 Now.
Hero Holmes saves the Maroons
But the Maroons were strong as the Blues launched several full-throttle campaigns in the 20-meter zone of Queensland in the final minutes of the game.
The best Cameron Munster of the match was an exceptional moment as NSW made a deep threat to the Queensland area in the 74th minute, snatching the ball from debutant Stephen Crichton.
NSW will try to square the 1-1 series in Perth on 26 June.
To get the best breaking news and daily dose of exclusive content from the Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter Click here!
