State of Origin 2016: Andrew Fifita relieved after NSW’s late win saves his reckless aggression

ANDREW Fifita was possibly the most relieved man when Michael Jennings scored the matchwinner, after one of the dumbest acts in Origin history.

ANDREW Fifita was possibly the most relieved man when Michael Jennings scored the matchwinner on Wednesday night.

Fifita produced one of the dumbest acts in NSW Origin history that almost butchered a victory and ruined Paul Gallen’s representative farewell.

The powerhouse prop had what could only be described as a monumental brain snap in the 51st minute.

He spent 10 minutes in the sin bin for a foolish and bizarre attempt to ruin a Queensland try celebration.

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Fifita inexplicable brain explosion nearly cost NSW.

Maroons debutant Gavin Cooper had just scored in the 51st minute when Fifita appeared out of nowhere to leap up and grab him by the neck and head.

Cooper was caught by surprise and fell backwards as his angry teammates quickly gathered around Fifita and shoved him towards the sidelines.

NSW players had no idea what had just happened and took a few seconds to join in the melee. Referee Gerard Sutton ordered Fifita to have a spell.

Maybe Fifita’s cornrows were pulled a little too tight at the back of his head.

Gallen approached Fifita to ask what had happened. Fifita gave his club captain an animated re-enactment, but the skipper was anything but impressed. They barely made eye contact.

'I'm not mad Andrew, just disappointed...'#Ori pic.twitter.com/CQ9lTl9njP

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Cooper’s try had allowed Queensland to get within two points. Now NSW would be forced to play with 12 men during a vital stage of the game.

It was a shame because Fifita could not have looked any happier 10 minutes before the incident when he scored next to the posts.

Fifita has never been a player to do things by half measures, be it good or bad.

When Darius Boyd scored a try to put Queensland ahead inside the final five minutes, Fifita stood just metres away from Gallen. The body language said it all.

Fifita gets his marching orders.

It would have been harsh to pin a defeat on Fifita, but the man himself knew deep down his thug act played a huge role.

When Jennings leapt to the air and tried to muscle his way through two defenders, the Blues bench celebrated.

Fifita was no exception.

He had dodged a bullet. His series was fair — his opening game at ANZ Stadium was his best — and he was entitled to celebrate like everyone else.

But Cooper won’t forget the act. Nor will Queensland. Fifita will do his best to erase it from his memory.