Rugby league fans spruik wild conspiracy theory during Game 3
Rugby league fans are convinced there’s more to the latest State of Origin result than what the scoreboard is telling us.
It’s time to break out the tin foil hat.
Fans watching the third State of Origin contest on Wednesday night were convinced the result meant far more than what was on the scoreboard.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The NSW Blues reigned supreme in the dead rubber as the QLD Maroons celebrated their second straight series victory.
But as the Blues ran riot on Accor Stadium, fans began spruiking conspiracy theories that heaped praise on the genius of Maroons coach Billy Slater.
Blues coach Brad Fittler has been the focal point of speculation as question marks remain surrounding his place at the helm.
The result on Wednesday showed the Blues do have what it takes to get the better of the Maroons, but was that all part of Slater’s masterplan?
That’s what fans were attempting to peddle as the game unfolded.
Former ESPN journalist Mark Ashton wrote: “Queensland sacrificing a clean sweep for the bigger picture of keeping Brad Fittler as @NSWBlues coach. I see you Billy Slater!”
News Corp journalist Jon Tuxworth wrote: “Qld deliberately losing so Freddy keeps his job. We’re out here playing chess etc.”
Slater playing the long game, forcing NSWRL into dilemmas like re-signing Fittler and picking certain players next year. Masterful coaching. #Origin
— Liam (@LiamJClarkson) July 12, 2023
Can’t decide whether NSW has been good or this is Billy Slater’s ultimate act of trolling/coaching genius to guarantee minimal changes and another QLD series in 2024
— Nat Hanrahan (@nat_sinclair93) July 12, 2023
Even James Tedesco was pulled into the conspiracy theories.
The Blues skipper faced calls to be dropped by fans after failing to have an impact during the opening two games, but delivered his best game of the series on Wednesday.
Despite Tedesco turning his form around, fans still pinned it on the clever thinking of Slater, believing it will fool NSW selectors into keeping him in the side for Origin next year.
Letting Tedesco make a line break for a possibly match winning try... Has there ever been a greater genius than Billy Slater?
— Dr Zlatan 'Professor Brilliant' Karatić (@SydneyBluenose) July 12, 2023
The Blues ultimately managed to avoid disaster, pulling off a 24-10 win in State of Origin game 3 in Sydney to avoid a 3-0 whitewash.
In front of a crowd of 75,342 despite the dead rubber, the Blues dominated with debutant Bradman Best scoring two of NSW’s four tries to claim a commanding win.
The match was set up for the Blues with three tries in nine minutes, which tore the heart out of the Maroons.
But if we’re to believe the conspiracy theory, it was all set up by Billy Slater to orchestrate a third straight Origin series win next year.
NRL star cops huge ban for ugly incident
Jack Wighton has copped a massive ban from the match review committee for an ugly incident in Souths’ loss to Cronulla.
Fowler act shuts down break up rumours
Rumours have been swirling that the Australian power couple’s relationship could be in trouble, but a new detail has emerged that has ended the rumours.
Cleary’s advice for injured Storm rival
Jahrome Hughes only has to look at Nathan Cleary’s return from a shoulder injury for inspiration as he looks to come back for the finals, as one of the men in the mix to replace him opens up on his future at the Storm.