The NSW Blues have pulled off what has been labelled by commentator Mat Thompson as a “heist for the ages” with a series-clinching win over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
An early Nathan Cleary double got the Blues off to a flyer, and from there they never looked back, running out 30-12 winners.
It is just the fourth decider the Blues have ever won at Suncorp, and now all that is left to do for NSW is to celebrate.
“They were miles off the pace in Melbourne. It’s incredible,” NSW legend Andrew Johns exclaimed in commentary.
It wasn’t without controversy, however, with the Blues were controversially awarded a crucial try to extend their lead to 16 points as the Bunker cleared a potential knock-on from Bostock before Bradman Best ran away to score a match-defining try.
“We can’t get that wrong,” Cameron Smith said in commentary.
“I can’t get over that call from the Bunker. There is a clear touch by Bostock.”
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Blues, with James Tedesco and Jack Bostock ruled out of the game with concussions.
Even still, the Blues were too strong, soaking up the Maroons’ second-half onslaught to secure an 18-point victory.
While for Cleary, he has cemented his Origin legacy, officially silencing his doubters as he was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.
Cleary put on a first-half masterclass, with a double and a one-on-one strip that led directly to Cameron Murray’s try.
In the second half, his kicking game and poise led from the front.
Post-game, Phil Gould slammed the narrative about the Panthers superstar failing to own an Origin series, which Wednesday’s result puts to bed once and for all.
“I find that commentary really lazy and really lame,” he said on Nine.
“It’s an unfair expectation. They put on these playmakers that suddenly they have to dominate Origin to be recognised as an Origin player. He’s an outstanding Origin player. He’s a champion footballer, cometh the hour, cometh the champion.
“What more do you want? This rubbish about dominating – I find that ridiculous.”
Catch up on all the action and drama from the State of Origin decider below.
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