NSW Win Origin III Classic
By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
On Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium, New South Wales won the battle and the war. The 14-4 victory in game 3 over Queensland secured the 2024 State of Origin series 2-1.
We witnessed classic rugby league played at the elite level by the superstars of the game. The magnificence of the match defies belief, it had everything…except a first half try.
There was a rare intensity from both teams. The sport played at its highest level.
Queenslands defence was rock solid but it was the NSW defence that won them the game and the series. Incredibly in this match, the Blues did not allow a single try against a team with Reece Walsh, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kaylan Ponga in the 17.
This 2 tries to nil victory will never be forgotten.
The Bench Bin
Souths captain Cameron Murray made history when he became the first ever player sent to the sin bin from the bench.
Today’s judiciary report has charged 10 players.
Murray and Haumole Olakau’atu were therefore both hit with grade-three contrary conduct charges. They can accept two-game suspensions for getting involved in the first-half all in. They are facing bans given they were not on the field at the time the fight broke out, but ran in from the Blues bench.
Daly Cherry-Evans
Post game, Cherry-Evans claimed that Queensland received no favours from referee Ashley Klein. There was however at least 2 occasions when I saw the Maroons knock on but retain possession.
Last night Cherry-Evans said “Cameron Murray should’ve been sent off” This morning however a more sombre Daly backtracked from that statement. “That was in the heat of the battle”.
What They Said
”We came to work hard.” Man of the match Dylan Edwards certainly did that. His 27 runs for 243 metres were easily the best of any player on the field.
“It was a tough game, the Blues were the better team.” One of Queenslands best Tom Deardon was gracious in defeat.
”I haven’t seen it but I definitely felt it” Bradman Best in his post match interview with a lip that Paul Gallen described as “Hanging off”.
”There’s nothing else like it” Reece Robson.
”I love these guys man” Jarome Luai.
”Boys it’s coming home, chicka woo!” Angus Crichton.
”This has been the best 6 weeks” Jake Trbojevic.
”It was an absolutely epic game…it will be talked about for many many years.” Andrew Johns.
”I’ve got a very special group of players” Michael Maguire.
”I feel immensely proud of this playing group” Billy Slater.
After the game Harry Grant spoke to Darren Lockyer about their lack of possession, errors and penalties. This undoubtedly cost the Maroons on the scoreboard. Queensland only had the football for 44% of the game and were on the wrong end of a 9-6 penalty count.
The Casualty Ward
It took just a brief examination from Blues doctor Nathan Gibbs to confirm that Mitch Moses season is over with a torn bicep. A nod of the head from former Rabbitoh ‘Gibbsy’ left no doubt as to what his diagnosis was.
A PCL knee injury will sideline Dylan Edwards for 2-4 weeks. Edwards man of the match performance cemented his position as the best player in the game. He played a perfect role at the fullback.
Images and video with thanks to Michelle Cini from Global Mouse Travel and also her friends.
NSW Win Origin III Classic.
Mate it was, mighty I haven’t been that excited
Watching league for a while but I had a tear as well
It was a tremendous performance by the boys, they did their state proud, loved it too.