State of Origin Game 2: NSW Blues win 26-0 over QLD Maroons, James Tedesco Man of the Match | Match Report
It’s been a total mismatch and the 76-6 running score proves that. But the dominance might only just be beginning for this NSW unit.
Seventy six points to six. Twelve tries to one.
This could be the unstoppable force to launch a famous NSW dynasty.
After a 50-6 thrashing in game one, a rampant NSW dominated Queensland yet again on Sunday night to record a supreme 26-0 shutout at Suncorp Stadium.
It was a total mismatch.Victory gave NSW an unassailable two-nil series lead – the Origin shield is coming back home, baby.
Never before in Origin history has one state dominated in such a bullish style — not even during Queensland’s eight-year reign.
NSW fans, you are watching something special.And having selected and moulded a relatively young side, this NSW team could dominate Queensland for another five years.
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“This team is building and building and they are only going to get better, which is frightening,” said Immortal, Andrew Johns.
The Maroons looked clueless again. Even a Covid mask couldn’t hide Queensland’s humiliation.
Maybe this is the worst Queensland side in 41 years.Queensland has never before failed to score a try in Brisbane.
“No one knows what’s going on (with Queensland),” Maroons legend Billy Slater said.And the strike from NSW’s backline was scintillating again on Sunday night.
Seven of eight tries in Origin I were scored by backs with another four by their backline on Sunday night.
“The back five – they have the most strike of any backline in the history of NSW,” Johns said.
Playing an up-tempo rhythm, the Blues led 18-0 after halftime. They have become Freddie’s Rhythm and Blues.
Sealing the series by winning two games in Queensland makes it all the sweeter.
“We really stuck it to those boys,” said NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai, who received special attention from Maroons players whenever he touched the ball.
Before a silenced crowd of 52,273, the Blues were simply too big, strong and powerful.
This side is heading headfirst toward being the greatest NSW of all-time.
The 2000 NSW side — which won three-nil — outscored Queensland by a record 62 points across the three games.
This side is already 70 points clear of the Maroons with a game to be played.Inspired by a rampaging Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco, NSW toyed with Queensland at times.
Winger Josh Addo-Carr scored twice, taking his Origin tally to 10.
While tries have rained in Origins I and II, what about NSW’s defence? They conceded one try in 160 minutes.
They trust each other and refuse to panic.
“They were just too good,” a clearly distraught Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans said.
Victory was a personal triumph for Brad Fittler, who recorded his first win as NSW coach at Suncorp Stadium.
After winning in his first two series – 2018 and 2019 – Fittler stumbled last year before reclaiming the interstate crown in emphatic style.
NSW will now regroup and aim for a famous clean sweep in Origin III on July 14, scheduled for Stadium Australia but likely to be shifted to either Newcastle, Gold Coast or back to Brisbane.
RONALDO’S WOES
Let’s be honest, Queensland was that hapless this year they should be sent into lockdown as punishment.After all the hoo-ha, it really didn’t matter if Ronaldo Mulitalo played.
It wouldn’t have mattered if Cristiano Ronaldo played – Queensland wasn’t going to win.
The Maroons were embarrassed off the field with the Mulitalo drama and then again on-field following a 26-point spanking.
They tried but were outclassed and overpowered.
It’s been a difficult and challenging first season as Queensland coach Paul Green.
Queensland started well but any early resistance fell away after 15 minutes when fatigue set in.
BLUES WORLD BEATERS
Aside from Mitchell and Tedesco, NSW forward Tariq Sims was magnificent. He was physical and strong.
But Mitchell and Tedesco were simply stunning.
And Tom Trbojevic, who scored a first-half try, prevented another when he whacked the arm of Queensland winger Xavier Coates — a late replacement for Mulitalo — as he was about to slam the ball down for a try.
Luai attracted the most jeers by the parochial Queensland crowd pre-game.
He has taken over from Paul Gallen as NSW’s most hated player up north.
The first tackle of the game clearly showed Queensland’s intent when Jai Arrow absolutely poleaxed Daniel Saifiti.
“They got their baseballs out,” Slater said.
Sadly, that intensity didn’t last long.
Originally published as State of Origin Game 2: NSW Blues win 26-0 over QLD Maroons, James Tedesco Man of the Match | Match Report
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