State of Origin Under-19s: Queensland defeat NSW 23-22 after Coby Black field goal

Coby Black is viewed as Adam Reynolds’ successor at Brisbane and it was the halfback’s snap decision to slot a field goal that handed Queensland glory in the men’s under-19s Origin.

A future Broncos star’s snap decision to slot a field goal just before halftime has handed Queensland glory in the men’s under-19s Origin, with Coby Black’s 35th minute strike decisive in Queensland’s 23-22 triumph at the Sunshine Coast.

A night after the Maroons got the job done in Origin II in Perth, their future stars claimed a similarly slender victory over the baby Blues.

It was a night for numerous future NRL stars to shine with Coby Black, Mitch Woods, Zac Garton and Jacob Halangahu all impressing.

With the under-19s State of Origin series in the books for another year, here are the things we learned.

BATTLE OF THE HALVES

All eyes were on both team’s halfbacks heading into the contest with both players named as their side’s respective captains.

Coby Black got his Maroons side off to the better start of the two but once Mitch Woods settled in you could see his teammates grow in confidence.

Mitchell Woods had a couple of moments of magic for the Blues. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Black, who is signed to the Broncos, just flowed in and out of the match early as he popped up and created space for his outside men while also playing a key role in defence.

His non-stop communication was evident on both sides of the ball, complimented well by his successful field goal before halftime.

As did his side, Woods got going in the final 20 minutes of the first half but was helped by his side’s interchange bench.

Black was able to score a sneaky try to open the first half off the back of a bobbling catch attempt but Woods had his side up and about.

Black exited the match with an unfortunate head knock and did not return for the evening as the Blues managed to score three straight tries and take a well deserved lead.

Coby Black’s night was cut short due to a head knock. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Maroons number six Javon Andrews was called upon with the game up for grabs but so did Blues five-eight Toby Rodwell.

The Maroons got a roll on and grew an extra leg without their captain on the field, gaining some key repeat sets before Prestyn Laine-Sietu dived on a grubber kick to make it a one point game.

Second choice goalkicker Javon Andrews stepped up to the tee from the left touchline, striking the ball well as it narrowly cleared the crossbar to the eruption of the crowd.

With the clock ticking down Queensland were able to keep the ball down their end as the siren sounded with the scores 23-22.

SECOND TIMES A CHARM

Dolphins signed talent Zac Garton got his second taste of under-19s State of Origin on Thursday evening after he was selected in Ben Teo’s Queensland side in 2024.

The Gympie and Sunshine Coast junior came out firing on his home stadium with some big repeat efforts in attack to start the match.

The low-running edge forward snagged a try of his own before the 20th minute mark before making the switch to lock for the final 10 minutes of the first half.

Zac Garton. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

BOW DOWN

Queensland hooker Jai Bowden’s meteoric rise in the past 12 to 24 months has been special to witness.

The Storm signed prodigy has launched into the starting nine position for their SG Ball side after learning his trade with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

His crafty work around the ruck paired with his hop-step in behind the markers helped lock forward Cooper Bai crash over for the first points of the match.

The little number nine also held his own in the defensive line, especially on kick-offs when the Blues big boppers were charging off the back fence.

Jai Bowden. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

BLUES MUCH NEEDED BOOST

The visitors were their own worst enemy in the opening 30 minutes with a number of silly penalties and wasted sets.

The physical contest was in favour of Queensland through the middle of the park before the Blues pulled the trigger and let Hokafonu Lemoto and Kanaan Magele enter the game.

Magele, a Roosters signed talent and Lemoto a Penrith star on the rise, matches the Queensland pack with some damaging metre-eating runs.

Their efforts helped Jacob Halangahu crash over to reduce the halftime gap.

Cooper Bai celebrates with the Maroons. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

HANDFUL OF THREATS

Queensland’s work through the middle of the field had their teammates rolling with their middle forwards and rotations injecting plenty of fresh legs.

Cooper Bai’s green headgear seemed to be everywhere when he was on the field while prop forward Oliva Smith led the way for his side.

Smith, a Bulldogs signed talent, showcased his powerful and silky leg drive on a number of occasions.

Their efforts complimented the work of the Maroons outside backs with fullback Raymond Puru and left winger Phillip Coates making the most of their opportunities.

Puru’s quick feet and low centre of gravity was lethal while Coates had speed to burn but also came up with a number of big defensive reads.

Jacob Halangahu scores a try for NSW. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

NEVER ENDING MOTOR

Jacob Halangahu, just an absolute workhorse.

The Blues second rower showed plenty of grit, composure and aggression on the edge but also matched it in the middle with the Queensland middles.

He bent the line with every carry and was a threat when he ran the ball with his leg drive and short passing ability.

Signed to the Dragons, they’ve got themselves a good one.