New South Wales has successfully defeated Queensland 28-4 in State of Origin Game I, at Suncorp Stadium.
In front of over 50,000 fans NSW impressed in defence and piled on five massive tries.
Tedesco Absolutely Brilliant
James Tedesco was one of the best on the field and it is hard to think of if he made any faults. He was in the right place at the right time and made many try- saving tries to only give QLD one try (only points QLD scored), in the full 80 minutes.
He stepped up to the number one jersey and made the most metres on the field, a total of 189 metres (most metres for NSW). He also contributed with a try, one try- assist and two line-breaks!
Fifita a Destructive Machine
Andrew Fifita played a man of the match performance after contributing a total of 183 metres, 18 runs, one try and a try assist. He was unstoppable, from making metres to contributing with 21 tackles throughout the game.
If he puts on this performance in Game II, he will definitely play another huge role in setting up victory for NSW.
Dugan’s try-saver on Guerra
Queensland looked certain to score in the 70th minute after passing throughout majority of the teammates before Josh Dugan came up with an unforgettable play.
Aiden Guerra was given the task of scoring the try but after passing the line, Josh Dugan attempted to strip the ball as he knocked it forward. This try-saving tackle made by Dugan was unreal and it was probably a play that NSW’s fans kept repeating in their head over and over again.
Josh Dugan had a pretty ordinary night until this play, the desperation and effort in defence from NSW inspiring. The try-saving effort kept Queensland to only four points.
NSW successfully shut down QLD halves
The big talk during the week before Game I, was the selection of five-eighth Anthony Milford replacing Johnathan Thurston.
Anthony Milford wasn’t the only quiet individual on the field in maroon but NSW did a great job shutting down the halves combination. Milford and Cooper were both unable to produce many plays due to getting shut down by the incredible defensive effort of NSW.
The only try that NSW let in was when QLD winger Corey Oates beat Blake Ferguson to the ball as he took a terrific catch from a Cooper Cronk kick in the 35th minute.
The Queenslanders also had a bit of a turning point after a short goal line drop out. It was a very interesting decision especially with NSW being on top, but they insisted and must’ve taken pointers out of a Bulldogs match. But with NSW being clearly on top in defence, Hayne managed to pick up the ball just outside the 10 metre line, pass and it lead to a try. I would be astounded if the men in maroon chose to go ahead with that set of play again especially after it took a turn for the worse.
FINAL SCORE
Queensland 4: Corey Oates Try
New South Wales 28: James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, James Tedesco, Andrew Fifita, Jarryd Hayne tries; Maloney 4 goals)
