’Extraordinary’ scenes as Luai and Walsh sent off in Origin bloodbath

The State of Origin shield is staying in Queensland but not before a one-sided bloodbath ended in spiteful scenes in the shadow of full-time.

It got ugly in every way possible at full-time. Photo: Getty Images

Billy Slater’s tenure as Queensland coach has got off the an even more perfect start after the Maroons blew the Blues away in a 32-6 game II thrashing at Suncorp Stadium.

Having won in his first attempt as the state’s mentor, he’s now gone back-to-back State of Origin series win, the first time since Queensland’s three-peat between 2015 and 2017.

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That was still in the big four era of Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith on field.

Now with the trio of Slater, Thurston and Smith pulling the strings in the coaching box, the legends are still inflicting pain on the Blues.

But while the win was enormous, the final moments left a bad taste in the mouth after NSW’s Josh Addo-Carr was sin-binned for a punch, while Jarome Luai and Reece Walsh were sent off in wild scenes for headbutting each other.

Walsh left the field celebrating after the incident.

Addo-Carr sun bin yes, but nothing for Reece Walsh’s headbutt? #StateofOrigin#ORIGINpic.twitter.com/AdKVkklW3l

— Hynesight (@Hynesight7) June 21, 2023

Nine commentator Mat Thompson was stunned.

“It doesn’t stop (Walsh) from celebrating,” he said.

“Pointing at the badge and he gets an ovation from his teammates. Not the nicest ending to Origin II, but Reece Walsh is being embraced by his teammates.

When Luai was sent off as well, he added: “He’s off too. Extraordinary.

“I think Jarome Luai’s taken over the mantle as public enemy number one.”

It got ugly between Luai and Walsh. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

It was a bitter end to what was a one-sided thrashing at the end of the day.

The Blues were fighting against history in the match, needing to win at Suncorp Stadium to force a decider, a place where Queensland have now lost only two of their last 10 at Suncorp Stadium since 2015.

The result is the first time under Brad Fittler’s tenure as coach the Blues have lost a game two.

Despite having a lion’s share of the ball, the Blues just couldn’t break the Queensland line, while the Maroons scored four second half tries to blow NSW away.

Queensland led 20-6 before NSW scored their first try in the 57th minute but Queensland were relentless, despite the Blues having 54 per cent of possession.

Hell of a win from Queensland. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

NSW were also tackled 39 times inside the opposition 20m, compared to 14 for Queensland.

Maroons great Paul Vautin said Queensland are just too strong.

“I thought NSW played better than they did, but I’m just going to say, defence wins Origin games,” he said on Channel 9.

“To allow six points tonight was just outstanding. NSW had a lot of quality ball in that first half, they didn’t look like scoring a try.

“They fluked one through Damien Cook, four of our blokes fell over and scored in the second half. That was it.

“We were just too strong, too keen, concentrating through the whole 80 minutes. It was a magnificent win. What a great series win.”

9.51pm — Queensland rub salt into wound

Just when it looked like it was over, Queensland have scored again.

It’s now 32-6 as Jeremiah Nanai scored after Damien Cook and Josh Addo-Carr got tangled after Cook caught the ball.

The Rabbitohs hooker dropped the ball, leaving it for Nanai to put it down.

9.41pm — Queensland land ‘nail in the coffin’

Just when it looks like the Blues are starting to build something, the Maroons do their favourite pastime — breaking NSW’s hearts.

As the Blues put some pressure on after Cook broke their duck, Queensland corrected and scored again.

Shifting the ball wide, Xavier Coates finished acrobatically in the corner, making it 26-6 with 15 minutes to go.

Coates in the corner! 👌#Originpic.twitter.com/rt3VwUuSmj

— NRL (@NRL) June 21, 2023

Nine commentator Mat Thompson said: “It may be the nail in the coffin”.

A comeback from NSW now would definitely go down in Origin history as a near miracle but it’s looking unlikely as the packed Suncorp Stadium crowd are getting ready to party.

9.31pm — ‘That’s embarrassing’: Bizarre call keeps game alive

It’s taken 57 minutes but the Blues have finally score — but only after a huge call went NSW’s way.

The Blues’ captain’s challenge was used for a bomb that the Blues knocked back with Jarome Luai getting inside the 10m line, only to be tackled by Reece Walsh.

But after reviewing that the ball being batted down was touched by Valentine Holmes, the bunker found that Walsh’s tackle was high, much to the chagrin of the legends in commentary.

“Stop it. Stop it. There’s been 30 tackles like that tonight. Please. That’s embarrassing,” Cameron Smith said.

While the Blues lost the challenge, they won the field position and despite not being able to score, they were right down the Blues end.

So when the Blues got he ball back, Cook showed his speed, charging 20m to scored next to the posts and keeping the Blues’ hopes alive.

Cook turns on the burners! 🏃‍♂️#Originpic.twitter.com/NPqk7vYeL6

— NRL (@NRL) June 21, 2023

9.21pm — Maroons running up a score

There’s still 30 minutes left but the Maroons are having a field day at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland are up 20-0 after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored.

After running on the last, the Maroons went wide with Murray Taulagi kicking over the top.

With Payne Haas running back to cover for NSW, the ball bounced perfectly into the arms of Hamiso-Fidow.

The Maroons are turning it 🔛#Originpic.twitter.com/8xD8pf9AfS

— NRL (@NRL) June 21, 2023

Cameron Smith said on Nine: “The work and the times that they have spent on their own tryline, defending their own tryline, it’s enormous against this NSW side and then to go down the other end and break their hearts and score points.”

QLD too good for us. There have been couple forward passes me thinks.

— Jamie Soward (@sowwowofficial6) June 21, 2023

Blues getting embarrassing...

— The Mole (@9_Moley) June 21, 2023

9.13pm — Maroons score again

Queensland have opened up a 16-0 lead, making the mountain look like Everest for NSW.

The Maroons are closing in on a celebration in front of their home fans as Valentine Holmes scored his second try of the match, scoring in the corner.

9pm — Problem with the Blues at halftime

Queensland are in the box seat to retain the Origin shield at halftime after getting across the line twice in the first half.

The 10-0 lead is a fresh mountain for the Blues to climb, but NSW have had 53 per cent of possession and chances, but haven’t been able to get across the line.

Phil Gould said at the break on Nine that the Blues looked like they didn’t have much clarity in attack.

“(Queensland) have taken their opportunities, NSW have had plenty of time down this end of the field,” Gould said.

“I just think they lack clarity with their attacking game, it’s from a lack of combination, I can’t really see what they’re targeting.

“They’re passing the ball around a lot, but they are not actually putting the Queensland defence under any pressure. If anything, they’re playing into Queensland’s hands.

“Anytime using the going to come at them they move the ball wide again Queensland recover.”

8.46pm — Origin erupts over ‘grub’ moment

Jarome Luai has once again made himself public enemy No. 1 in Queensland, trying to get himself into the game by standing over Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans.

After making a tackle, Luai made sure to stand up right over the top of the Maroons skipper before Cherry-Evans flipped him onto the ground.

The crowd were clearly in Cherry-Evans’ corner.

“Daly Cherry-Evans on the ground there, they got tangled and then Luai stands over the top of Daly Cherry-Evans,” Cameron Smith said on Nine.

Mat Thompson added: “The crowd don’t like the extra attention from Jarome Luai. This is tense. They don’t know what went on there.”

The controversial moment during Origin 2.

The move reminded the home fans of the 2021 Origin series, where he stood over the top of Felise Kaufusi after the Blues’ 50-6 win in game one, and when he stood over a knocked out Selwyn Cobbo in game three last year.

Cobbo labelled Luai “a grub”, and saw the played jawing over the drama.

The reaction to the latest drama was swift, but not a lot of it was republishable as Queensland fans vented.

It almost paid off for the Blues as Stephen Crichton ran nearly 80m after intercepting a kick and racing away. But he was pulled down and NSW were stopped after a knock on/falcon from Damien Cook.

Cherry-Evans then got the Maroons back in field position and used the hands to put the Maroons up 10-0, driving another dagger into NSW hearts.

8.38pm — Trbojevic pic is just sad

While Tom Trbojevic’s injury is bad for the Blues, it could be bad for the entire NRL.

An image of him sideline in a sling looking forlorn appears to spark fears he’ll be out for the season.

Tom Trbojevic well and truly done for the night with a suspected torn pectoral.

(📷 @zanofc)

Listen to our live coverage on the ABC listen app here: https://t.co/HrL9klmbse

Follow the game in our live blog: https://t.co/1wzL6XZXhp#Originpic.twitter.com/aRRhKlA5ir

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) June 21, 2023

8.20pm — Maroons take the lead

Valentine Holmes has scored the first try of the evening, piling on the pain for the Blues.

Having lost Tom Trbojevic for the evening, the Maroons were ruthless, charging up field before Daly Cherry-Evans kicked for Xavier Coates.

While the ref believed Coates had touched it and sent it to the bunker, there was no touch on replay, although Holmes’ grounding was controversial at best, likely depending on which side of the Tweed you reside.

Queensland strike first! 🔥#Originpic.twitter.com/XBsQlb1DEm

— NRL (@NRL) June 21, 2023

BOUNCED: That WASN’T a try. Valentine Holmes bounced it. Even Val didn’t look convinced😳😳

— christian nicolussi (@mrchrisnico) June 21, 2023

But the try goes in the books and it’s 4-0 to Queensland after 8 minutes.

8.12pm — Horror scenes in Blues’ nightmare start

Tom Trbojevic appears to have suffered a nightmare injury, seemingly suffering pec injury just three minutes into the match.

Trbojevic has been under an injury cloud all season with his troublesome hamstring but has earned his way into the Blues team with stellar performances when he’s needed them.

But in just the third minute of play, the Blues saved a try out wide on the left but Trbojevic, who had tackled Reece Walsh on the inside, stayed down clutching his shoulder.

Tom Trbojevic is out three minutes into Origin II. Photo: Adam Head

He has had shoulder injuries earlier but Nine’s Danika Mason said Blues confirmed it was a pec injury and he was out of the match.

It’s seen Damien Cook take his place in the centres.

Tom Trbojevic off with a pec injury & won’t return, video brings concern for significant R pec tear. Has a previous pec tear to L side. If scans confirm worst case (rupture) would require surgery & 10-14 week recovery. Feel for him #Origin#StateofOriginpic.twitter.com/1srZXe1lb6

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 21, 2023

Oh no.

Gamble to go no utility on the bench. 2mins in. 🤦🏽‍♂️#Origin#Turbo

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) June 21, 2023

8.05pm — And we’re underway!

The formalities are done and game II is underway.

But the Blues have made a late change, pulling the trigger on swapping the sides for the wingers.

7.15pm — Both sides spring shock late changes

Both NSW and Queensland have confirmed last minute changes.

North Queensland Cowboys hooker and Origin debutant Reece Robson will start for the biggest game of his life, with Damien Cook dropping to the bench.

Queensland have also brought Reuben Cotter after his man of the match game one, coming in as a direct swap for club teammate Jeremiah Nanai, while Tom Flegler starts in the place of Lindsay Collins.

BLUES: 1. James Tedesco (c), 2. Brian To’o, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Tom Trbojevic, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Junior Paulo, 17. Reece Robson, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 9. Damien Cook, 14. Stefano Utoikamanu, 15. Cameron Murray, 16. Liam Martin. 18th man: Matt Burton

MAROONS: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 15. Tom Flegler, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. David Fifita, 16. Reuben Cotter, 13. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange: 8. Lindsay Collins, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 14. Harry Grant, 17. Moeaki Fotuaika. 18th man: AJ Brimson

Reece Robson may be thrust into the Blues’ starting side. Picture: Adam Yip

There have also been reports Brian To’o and Josh Addo-Carr will swap sides of the field, although we may not know until the match starts.

The winger swap is reportedly being plotted with 194cm giant Xavier Coates coming onto the wing for Selwyn Cobbo, and he’s 12cm taller than To’o.

Not that Addo-Carr is that much taller, measuring in just 1cm taller than To’o.

Blues advisor Greg Alexander said it didn’t really matter which side the wingers played.

Josh played right in 2021 when we won that series, Brian played left.

“Josh plays left for his club and Brian plays right for his club. So they can handle both. In ’21 Brian played left and Xavier Coates was on the right.

“So Brian marked up on Xavier Coates the last time Xavier played, So it wouldn’t be for that reason, if in fact it does happen.”

6pm AEST — Queensland delusion has become a joke

Queensland have won two of the last three series, four of the last seven and 12 of the last 16 — as well as being a win away from another victory — but just don’t call them favourites.

The tag has become a dirty word north of the border as the Maroons still like to think of themselves as the underdogs, the little brothers who were kept down so long by the NSWRL.

Billy Slater gives a thumbs up. Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images

But with Queensland’s decade of dominance now nearly stretching two decades, where the Blues have only won back-to-back once since 2005, it’s officially become a joke.

Coach Billy Slater refused to even accept a question on Tuesday when a reporter asked about what it’d be like in the shoes of the Blues, needing a win in enemy territory to just keep the series alive.

“We’re not 1-0 down,” Slater said.

“My mindset is where my feet are and my feet aren’t there.

“So all my energy is focused towards our situation and our position and that’s where it is going.”

When asked about being favourites, Slater said: “I’m not allowed to bet.”

“Honestly, I know there’s a bit of a myth around that, the Queensland underdogs.

“But I honestly couldn’t care less, I couldn’t care less who is favourite and who isn’t favourite and players in and players out.

“Both teams are very even in that regard, NSW have got injuries, players coming in and so do we. So we just have to do the best with the team we have got.”

Queensland are heading into the match with their second shortest odds this century.

There's truth in every joke … Photo: Fox Sports

Speaking on NRL 360 on Tuesday night, Queensland great Nate Myles was asked how the Maroons were dealing with the favourites tag.

“We’re favourites? Are we?” Myles deadpanned.

Braith Anasta said: “You didn’t know that Mylesy?”

Myles smiled: “Nah, sorry mate, I don’t know how to read the form guide.”

Even Queensland great Steve Renouf was getting in on it, saying on Fox League’s pre-game: “We’re going in with underdogs.”

Jake Duke replied: “You can’t seriously call yourselves underdogs.”

While Queensland are clearly in on it, this delusion is actually becoming a joke.