‘Heap of Queenslander in that’: Origin shows ‘difference’ between QLD and NSW

Queensland blew NSW away to wrap up the State of Origin series, but a gutsy play proved the Maroons aren’t a one-trick pony.

Daly Cherry-Evans chased down Stephen Crichton.

Daly Cherry-Evans’ chase down tackle of Blues centre Stephen Crichton in Queensland’s Game II demolition of NSW has been heralded as a perfect example of the Maroons’ culture.

Queensland defeated NSW 32-6 on Wednesday night so take a 2-0 series lead and retain the State of Origin shield for another year.

The Blues had plenty of possession in the first half but couldn’t convert it into points.

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Conversely, Queensland score two tries in the first half and ran away with the game in the second half as the Blues were left with no answers.

A prime example of Queensland’s determination not to let NSW score came early on when Stephen Crichton caught the ball and ran 80m down the field.

It looked like he might score an intercept try, but 34-year-old Cherry-Evans sprinted across field and cut him off, tackling the Blues centre to ground.

Daly Cherry-Evans chased down Stephen Crichton to pull off a trysaving tackle. Photo: Fox Sports.

It was a desperate defensive act by the Queensland captain and was symbolic of the Maroons’ excellent defence throughout the series so far.

But perhaps more impressive was the fact that Cherry-Evans had plenty of teammates running back with him to try and tackle Crichton.

The defensive hustle from the entire Queensland team didn’t go unnoticed by commentators and their coach.

Corey Parker said on Fox League: “Look at this play here - one, two, three, four, five, make that six in the picture (compared) to two Blues,” Fox League’s Corey Parker said, describing Cherry-Evans’ trysaving tackle.

“And they defend their goal line off the back of that.”

Queensland coach Billy Slater was ecstatic with the defensive effort.

“There was a whole heap of ‘want’ in that action,” said in his post-game press conference alongside Cherry-Evans.

“There was a whole heap of Queenslander in that action. And he had some mates there to back him up.”

DCE had plenty of support running back with him. Photo: Fox Sports.

Asked about the tackle after the game, Cherry-Evans told Nine: “In my head I was thinking Scotty Sattler”, referencing Sattler’s iconic trysaving tackle on the sideline in Penrith’s 2003 Grand Final win.

Asked about DCE’s tackle, Queensland winger Murray Taulagi said: “Yeah, he epitomises what it is to be a Queenslander. I don’t even know what to say. I’m just in awe.

“Good to be back out there with them. I can’t describe the feeling I’m feeling right now. I don’t even know what to say.”

Queensland might be a star-studded team mainly filled with athletic freaks from the Broncos and Cowboys, but their defence has shown even their most talented players have been willing to do the dirty work.

Cooper Cronk said on Fox League: “I think that was the difference — Queensland’s goal line defence, to be able to stand up for long periods.”

Originally published as ‘Heap of Queenslander in that’: Origin shows ‘difference’ between QLD and NSW