QLD Defeat NSW In State Of Origin Game 1

[Ripply]

 

State of Origin Review

Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 11:40 AM

 

Punters who grabbed the $2.20 on offer about a NSW win were grinning like Cheshire cats at halftime when the Blues held an 18-6 advantage, but they were crying into their milk 20 minutes after the resumption when the Maroons skipped clear by six.

 

 

 

After seemingly cruising, the Blues wilted under a second-half barrage, with little more than scraps of possession to Queensland’s absolute feast. They were forced to make 47 more tackles than Maroons and ultimately fatigue took its toll.

 

 

 

Several refereeing decisions – all favouring the Blues – drew ire from the home crowd in the first half; indeed the 12-point turnaround that occurred as a result possibly lulled the visitors into a false sense of security at the break.

 

 

 

The opening exchanges were typically firebrand Origin, with NSW rookie Brett White having his nose broken in just the third tackle of the night.

 

 

 

Johnathan Thurston was judged man-of-the-match – although the honour could easily also have fitted Steve Price… even Greg Inglis, who ran more from dummy half than anyone else on the park.

 

 

 

Jarrod Mullen had a fair debut for the Blues; his passing game was slick, a lovely outside ball evading Justin Hodges for Matt Cooper to score NSW’s second try. But his kicking game was poor – too many found Karmichael Hunt on the full, and the one guy you don’t want to give a chance is the rampaging Maroons fullback.

 

 

 

Defining moment: Jarryd Hayne’s desperation back-pass in the 61st minute was a monumental blunder that gifted Queensland the lead, but we’ll plump for Steve Price’s try in the 58th minute that saw the Maroons draw level. Queensland applied sustained pressure in the nine minutes after Greg Inglis’ second try in the 49th minute, keeping NSW back-pedalling. They earned a repeat set and the Blues defence close to the line simply wilted.  

 

 

 

Who was hot: Price was a powerhouse for Queensland; in just 62 minutes of game time he made 24 hit-ups for 195 metres, and made 25 tackles. Karmichael Hunt made 19 charges for 212 metres.

 

 

 

For the Blues, Luke Bailey was relentless in defence, making 40 tackles in just 59 minutes. Jarryd Hayne, despite his major gaffe, showed he’ll be a major force on the representative scene for years to come – his 40th-minute try, where he brushed aside Justin Hodges, kicked ahead and regathered to touch down, was one of the best in Origin history.

 

 

 

Who was not: Justin Hodges – two bad misses in defence that each led to NSW tries (Cooper and Hayne). Brent Kite will need to lift his work rate – he saw just 36 minutes, was easily contained and made some errors.   

 

 

 

What they said: “I wasn’t trying to be a show pony – I thought it was going to be a 40-20. It was a 50:50 thing… there was a lot of pressure on me. It was very disappointing.” – Blues winger Jarryd Hayne.

 

 

 

“It just seemed it was a bit of a relentless onslaught… it’s 1-0 – psychologically you’re bashed up a little bit but we’ll be right. We’ll be ready to go in Sydney.” – NSW coach Graham Murray.

 

 

 

“I think Origin football is all about being relentless and having that mental capacity to overcome hurdles. Our players should be applauded for that. We were a bit sombre at halftime but the boys turned that around mentally.” – Qld coach Mal Meninga.

 

 

 

Ref’s calls: Paul Simpkins handled the clash much like a regular NRL round – he was pedantic at first, but let things flow in the second half. Made some controversial decisions that thankfully didn’t affect the outcome – he saw no fault with Braith Anasta’s offload to Nathan Hindmarsh that set up NSW’s first try, then had no hesitation in awarding the four-pointer despite television replays suggesting the ball may not have touched the turf.

 

 

 

He also ruled a Cameron Smith pass forward after Price crossed untouched. Penalties favoured Queensland 6-5.

 

 

 

Bad boys: Nate Myles pleaded guilty to a dangerous throw on Brett White and will miss two games for his Roosters club side but will be available for Origin II.

 

 

 

Injuries: Antonio Kaufusi (knee – season), Brett White (broken nose – okay to play), Kurt Gidley (shoulder – scans to determine length of absence), Willie Mason (hamstring – needs scans).

 

 

 

Where to now: Only five sides in the 27 series played since 1980 have gone on to win the Origin Shield – although two of those were in the past two years. Queensland has to create history if they’re to clinch the series in Game II on June 13 – they’ve never won at Telstra Stadium in 11 attempts.

 

 

 

Queensland 25 (G Inglis 2, S Price, D Lockyer tries; J Thurston 4 goals, field goal) def NSW 18 (N Hindmarsh, M Cooper, J Hayne tries; J Lyon 3 goals). Referee: Paul Simpkins. Crowd: 52,498.

SOURCE: www.nrl.com

 

 

 

 

GO THE ALMIGHTS QUEENSLAND MAROONS!

 

Did very well to come back from 18-6 down at halftime to end up winning 25-18. Queensland lead the 3-match series 1-0 and will hopefully belt the Blues down in NSW in game 2.

 

 

Edited May 24, 2007 by Ripply

[Justin]

Cheers for the copy and paste, but considering the inactivity of the much broader Aussie Sports Topic, a single topic devoted to such a small news item isn't going to attract too much attention.

 

Go the Blues, btw.

[All-Blacks]

Yay NSW lost .

[Ryuranger]