State of Origin 2: NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons, how Brad Fittler inspired performance for the ages

He was treated like Freddie Krueger after a shock first-up loss but now NSW coach Freddy Fittler has flipped the script. Here’s how he did it.

The triumphant Blues celebrate a try (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

This was the greatest performance by a NSW halfback since Immortal Andrew Johns 17 years ago.

Nathan Cleary, you champion.

Cleary bounced back from a disappointing series opener to score a remarkable 24 points in NSW’s rampaging and State of Origin series-saving 44-12 win over hapless Queensland in front of 59,358 screaming fans in Perth on Sunday night.

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So much for the so-called Queensland spirit.

NSW were bold and brilliant, sending the series to a decider in Brisbane on July 13.

Daniel Tupou (face unseen) celebrates with teammates after scoring a try (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

But the Blues will be sweating on the release of the match review committee charge sheet on Monday morning, after man-of-the-match Cleary was placed on report for a hit on Kalyn Ponga, that forced the Queensland fullback off the field for a head injury assessment late in the game.

The Ponga incident had little impact on the game after the Blues had already blown the game wide open in the second half, incredibly scoring 30 unanswered points in a lopsided performance.

“Unbelievable,’ NSW hooker Api Koroisau said.

The lines are out the door to get a beer in Perth, with a full sell out crowd getting ready to watch the Blues tackle the Maroons 💙

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— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) June 26, 2022

CLEARY’S CLASS

There hasn’t been a more dominant display from a Blues No.7 since Johns dismantled Queensland in game two of 2005.

That was a performance for the ages, as was Cleary’s stunning effort at Optus Stadium.

Cleary, the man who blamed himself for the loss in Sydney, was back to his irrepressible self.

His 24-point individual haul wasn’t his only impressive number. He scored twice, set two more up — including a lovely ‘Harbour Bridge’ pass to an unmarked Daniel Tupou — busted six tackles and made two linebreaks.

Queensland harassed his kicking game in Origin I. On Sunday night, Cleary kicked with calmness and precision, including the deft grubber for the Blues’ opening try through Matt Burton.

Matt Burton had a blinder on debut (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

His first seven kicks went up without any pressure.

It wasn’t until his eighth effort, four minutes into the second half, that he was forced to evade an on-rushing Cameron Munster in order to get it away.

His next kick, launched despite pressure from Daly Cherry-Evans, forced a Queensland knock-on. The one after was deep into the corner, made better by Liam Martin’s terrific kick-chase effort.

Cleary’s 24 points was the second biggest individual haul since Ryan Girdler amassed 32 points during the 2000 series, and was a massive turnaround from game one.

“I knew I could be better,” Cleary said.

“We knew as a group we could be better and I just tried my best for my family, my teammates and the state we live in.”

New South Wales players celebrate a try scored by Nathan Cleary (Photo by Trevor Collens / AFP)

COACHING MASTERCLASS

And what about coach Brad Fittler? He was treated like Freddy Krueger after a shock first-up loss but the sequel to his Origin I horror movie had a happy ending.

Fittler’s detractors were in full voice after a shock 16-10 loss in Sydney. He made seven changes from game one and emergedproud and triumphant.

He was born in Sydney’s west but had to travel to Australia’s west to save the State of Origin series.

Queensland simply fell apart. It will take a monumental effort from coach Billy Slater to lift his demoralised side to victory in Brisbane. Slater must have wished Premier Mark McGowan kept the WA borders closed.

“It’s one-all and we go back to Brisbane,” Slater said. “I think we lacked concentration in our roles.”

NSW’s intensity through the middle never wavered.

Jake Trbojevic’s inclusion was telling. He made 17 runs for 124m from prop, but it was his play-the-ball speed that really got the Blues moving.

The triumphant Blues celebrate a try (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Junior Paulo was much-improved from game one. Sixteen hit-ups, 129m, three tackle busts and two offloads off the bench in that middle period kept Queensland’s big men on their back feet. So much so, Pat Carrigan (107m) was the only Maroons forward to make more than 100m.

New Blues starting dummy half Api Koroisau’s inclusion eased the pressure on Cleary’s kicking, which was scrutinised so heavilyafter Origin I. Damien Cook was introduced into the match after 32 minutes.

THE TALKING POINT

In a possibly defining moment, Felise Kaufusi was sin-binned a minute before halftime for repeated infringements. Maroons legend Trevor Gillmeister, at halftime, described the sin-binning as a “gee-up”.

Down a man and with NSW awarded multiple repeat sets, Blues winger Brian To’o scored after some soft hands his inside man, former Panthers teammate Burton. Cleary’s conversion gave NSW a 14-12 lead heading into the break.

Something upset Angus Crichton’s stomach, who left the stadium at halftime having thrown up repeatedly. Blues forward Cam Murray was taken for an HIA test after 10 minutes but was cleared and returned.

A HALF EFFORT

Queensland played the first nine minutes of the second half with just 12 men, following Kaufusi’s sin-binning.

While the Maroons were able to repel the Blues early in the second half, it sapped their energy, allowing NSW to run in five unanswered tries and ensuring there was nothing left in the tank for a revival.

“They were too good tonight,” said Maroons champion Cameron Munster.

Originally published as State of Origin 2: NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons, how Brad Fittler inspired performance for the ages