A Jarryd Hayne-inspired NSW has taken a 1-0 lead in the 2014 State of Origin series, with a determined 12-8 victory over Queensland in game one on Wednesday night.
Blues star Jarryd Hayne celebrates victory in game one. Source: Getty Images
STATE of Origin is alive.
The NSW Blues held off the Maroons 12-4 in one of the great encounters at Suncorp Stadium, setting the scene for one hell of a series.
These were the major talking points.
1. WAS IT THE BEST GAME EVER?
The short answer is no, but it was up there. The intensity was extraordinary, there was plenty of drama and controversy and the finish was brilliant. But Origin has had so many classics over its 100 games, dating right back to the very beginning, so that's just way too big a call.
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Opposing skippers Cam Smith (left) and Paul Gallen embrace post-match. Source: Getty Images
2. 'ONE OF THE GREAT ORIGIN PERFORMANCES'
Those are the words of the one and only Andrew Johns, referring to fullback Jarryd Hayne's majestic display for the Blues. In the 33rd minute, Hayne forced his way out of a tackle from Johnathan Thurston close to the line to find his way over and give his side a lead it ultimately would not relinquish. With his first touch of the footy in the second half, Hayne burst onto a kick return with so much intent you just knew this would be his night. He was in everything.
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Jarryd Hayne was outstanding for the Blues. Source: News Corp Australia
Hayne finds his way to the line. Source: News Corp Australia
3. NSW WAS SHELLSHOCKED
Five minutes in, and with Queensland's first chance with the footy in opposition territory, Darius Boyd scored a relatively soft try out wide. Moments later Billy Slater stormed through the heart of the Blues defence. It didn't lead to a try that time, but the signs were ominous.
Darius Boyd celebrates scoring a try for Queensland. Source: News Corp Australia
4. THE COOPER CRONK INJURY
With a player of the ilk of Daly Cherry-Evans at the ready to fill in from the bench, the loss of Cooper Cronk did not appear catastrophic at first for Queensland. But NSW capitalised on the loss of the superstar playmaker, overcoming its poor start to slowly seize control and take an unlikely 10-4 half-time lead. Cronk picked up the injury in the 10th minute in an apparent innocuous collision with teammate Nate Myles in a standard tackle.
Queensland star Cooper Cronk nurses a broken arm. Source: News Corp Australia
Cronk leaves the field in the 10th minute and doesn't return. Source: News Corp Australia
5. BRENT TATE 'FRIGHTENED'
In the 28th minute, Blues five-eighth Josh Reynolds was placed on report for an ugly tackle in which he flipped Queensland's Brent Tate. The crowd blew up and so did Tate's Maroons teammates, who rushed in from all over the field – but no punches were thrown. Reynolds now faces the prospect of missing Origin II after being hit with a grade two dangerous throw charge. Tate was not injured in the incident but said: "I have never been more frightened in all my life. I had my family here. The last thing they want to be doing is sitting next to a hospital bed like an Alex McKinnon situation."
Josh Reynolds was placed on report for this tackle on Brent Tate. Source: News Corp Australia
The Reynolds tackle from another angle. Beau Scott was the other Blues player involved. Source: Getty Images
6. THE LATE DRAMA
It's Origin. What else do you expect? The Blues were forced to defend for the last 45 seconds after a controversial decision saw a penalty blown against NSW's Trent Hodkinson for a knock-on when he didn't play at the ball. Another penalty was awarded right on the siren, giving the Maroons one last shot to escape with the win, but NSW managed to wrap up Billy Slater with the final tackle of the game.
Paul Gallen questions referee Shayne Hayne in the dying seconds of the game. Source: News Corp Australia
7. PLAYERS DROPPING LIKE FLIES
First it was Cooper Cronk with his broken arm, then Brett Morris popped out his shoulder while scoring for NSW in the first half. Proving that wingers are tougher than most people give them credit for, Morris popped it back in and played on. Queensland also had injury scares for Cam Smith (foot) and Billy Slater (shoulder), while Blues skipper Paul Gallen had a shoulder concern. NSW forward Anthony Watmough could be facing an extended stint on the sidelines with a torn bicep.
Alfie Langer checks out Billy Slater's injured shoulder. Source: Getty Images
Blues flyer Brett Morris in agony. Source: News Corp Australia
Cam Smith limps from the field. Source: News Corp Australia
8. WHAT'S THE GO WITH DARIUS BOYD?
Have you seen this guy play for Newcastle this year? It wasn't the same man who was on the field at Suncorp. Boyd has come under fire this season for his lack of effort for the Knights but pull on the Maroon jersey and it's a different ball game. He was great for Queensland, scoring a double and coming within inches of a game-levelling third.
Darius Boys strolls in to score one of his two tries. Source: News Corp Australia
What did you make of State of Origin I? Share your thoughts below or on Twitter: @newscomauHQ @cam_tomarchio
NEW SOUTH WALES 12 (J Hayne B Morris tries T Hodkinson 2 goals) bt QUEENSLAND 8 (D Boyd 2 tries) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Shayne Hayne, Ben Cummins. Crowd: 52,111.
Game 1: NSW 12 bt QLD 8 Series: NSW lead QLD 1-0
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