What you said about Qld penalty count, win in Origin II

We’re headed for an Origin decider – but you could be mistaken for thinking the Blues had already lost the series. HAVE YOUR SAY

Queensland and NSW are headed for an Origin decider – but you could be mistaken for thinking the Blues had already lost the series.

Bleating from south of the border has begun following the Maroons’ 26-24 victory in Game 2 in Perth.

Needing to win the keep the series alive, Billy Slater’s team delivered – thanks to a lopsided penalty count – in the first half, holding on as the Blues stormed back into the contest late.

The fact Queensland cashed in on an ill-disciplined NSW side, rightly or wrongly, sparked immediate protests from Blues fans.

“Referee Ashley Klein must be sacked for State of Origin III,” veteran sports journalist Dean Ritchie complained.

“His ridiculously lopsided penalty count in Perth on Wednesday night attracted savage criticism and condemnation on social media.

“The penalties were 8-0 to Queensland in the first half. No team, not even at State of Origin level, can repel an opposition with that much possession.”

Referee Ashley Klein didn’t award NSW a first-half penalty. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Even Maroons halfback Tom Dearden knew his side got help.

“NSW gave us a few penalties in the first half and we took advantage of that,” he said after the game.

The penalty count actually got out to 9-0 before Klein finally awarded NSW’s first penalty in the 45th minute.

NSW scored a try within seconds of their first penalty.

The penalty count ended 10-2 to Queensland, with even Ritchie conceding the Blues got what they deserved.

“Yes, NSW were ill-disciplined at times — Jarome Luai’s facial on Reuben Cotter, Zac Lomax’s elbow to the head of Trent Loiero and Latrell Mitchell giving away a set restart with a leg pull that led to Queensland’s first try were three notable instances — but only the most perfect team can play for 40 minutes without conceding a penalty,” he wrote.

NSW fans were quick to stick up for the Blues.

Some complained that there is no such thing as a perfect team, while others pointed to the fact the penalty count went the other way in recent clashes.

Others insisted it was typical bias towards Queensland, while some were at a loss over the whinging.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

Typical Qld bias

Stephen

Of course the ever Queensland biased channel 9 never raised the penalty count as an issue. They forever love them. Plus they have no idea and haven’t even with Ray Warren there

Nath

Two penalties for NSW: One penalty was from an accidental offside and the other was after a captains challenge for a tackle is the air. Wow.

David

see how QLD go in Sydney with a unbiased penalty count

Mick

Let’s be honest that was a very false win. All things being fair in Sydney NSW win by at least 30. Anyone disagree I’d be happy to have 1000 on it and give you 10/1!

Change the ref

ryan

It’s a very good point you make.

Not one penalty blown for NSW from the referee during play.

Paul

Worst I’ve seen. Including Gommersal.

Evan

See how different the second half was when NSW had possession of the ball. Yes Lomax didn’t convert well however the first half deficit determined by Ashley Klein which made it so hard for NSW to comeback. But they did. I don’t mind being beaten by a better team, but NSW wasn’t beaten by a better team. The NRL won’t do anything about it.

Cab Calloway

How is Cleary’s try not a try? Utoikamanu was backpedaling to get out of the play. What’s he supposed to do?

Blues players bemoan their loss. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Are you kidding, NSW?

Bill

Johns, Gus and Freddy are QLD biased?

Roy

Yet a 6-0 penalty count to NSW in the first half of game one didn’t even rate a mention. Seriously every game NSW loses they complain about the referee.

Chris

Notice Bulldog didn’t mention last years G2 in Melbourne. First 35mins NSW got 7 penalties and 5 set restarts to QLDs none.

Richard

Here we go, let’s blame the ref when in game 1 he was very kind to the Blues. NSW was ill disciplined, and got pinged, fair game and move on.

Snake

Yet when the same thing happened last year it was “NSW plays a perfect half of football”. On the back of a massive penalty count. Makes a difference doesn’t it.

Originally published as What you said about Qld penalty count, win in Origin II