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State of Origin 2021 game three: Ben Hunt the hero as Maroons avoid series whitewash

Ben Hunt scored two tries in an incredible second half as Queensland dug deep to halt a NSW clean sweep with a 20-18 win.

Brent Read and Adrian McMurray
Ben Hunt scored twice as Queensland denied NSW a series whitewash with victory in game three. Picture: Getty Images
Ben Hunt scored twice as Queensland denied NSW a series whitewash with victory in game three. Picture: Getty Images
17 min read
5:38PMJuly 14, 2021.
Updated 11:16PMJuly 14, 2021

Ben Hunt scored two tries in an incredible second half as Queensland dug deep to halt a NSW clean sweep with a 20-18 win. Read how it unfolded below.

Brent Read10.35pm:Maroons halt the whitewash

They couldn’t save the series but they managed to salvage some pride. Queensland arrived on the Gold Coast under siege. They had been bashed from pillar to post. Calls had been growing for the scalp of coach Paul Green.

The players had been vilified. Their culture had been savaged. Only a win would keep the jackals at bay. It came by the narrowest of margins, but it was a win nonetheless.

The clean sweep had been avoided. NSW took home the Origin shield but the Maroons had a face-saving victory to cling onto for the next 12 months.

The win owed much to two players who were drafted into the starting side for game three. Ben Hunt finished with two tries. Kalyn Ponga was injured for the opening two games but came back for the finale and starred.

At full-time, spotfires erupted. Players from both sides came together and a melee broke out. Queensland had a moment to savour but the Blues had the last laugh, captain James Tedesco raising the shield own foreign territory.

Queensland players celebrate during their win in game three. Picture: Getty Images
Queensland players celebrate during their win in game three. Picture: Getty Images

“It was chaos,” Hunt said.

“Massive credit to our boys. Defensively tonight it was a big effort.”

Asked the difference between Origin III and the previous two games, Hunt replied: “Kalyn Ponga for me mate.”

Queensland went to halftime with a slight edge but eight minutes into the second half, the Blues went back in front as Jack Wighton, thrust into the No. 6 jersey, went himself and speared his way over, Latrell Mitchell converting to give NSW a four-point lead.

This time it was their turn for the lead not to last long. Hunt had been drafted into the team in the No. 9 jersey and he had an impact at both ends of the field.

First, he jolted the ball from the grasp of Mitchell. Then he darted out of dummy half and burrowed over to level the scores, Daly Cherry-Evans conversation putting Queensland in front.

It’s where they would stay. Ponga had been threatening all night and he finally found some space with 17 minutes remaining as he tore through the NSW defence and put Queensland in attack.

On the next play, Hunt had his second try as he took a Kurt Capewell pass, stepped off his left foot and raced over. Queensland were eight points clear when Cherry-Evans converted. No sooner did they look in control than NSW hit back.

Kalyn Ponga was dangerous for Queensland. Picture: Peter Wallis
Kalyn Ponga was dangerous for Queensland. Picture: Peter Wallis

Blues halfback Mitchell Moses was making his maiden Origin appearance and he kicked through for Api Koroisau, who won the race to the bouncing ball. In the aftermath, South Sydney teammates Mitchell and Dane Gagai were involved in a scuffle.

Mitchell separated himself from Gagai and converted the try. The difference was back to two points. The opening two games of the series had been one-sided beltings.

Game three was quickly becoming another classic cliffhanger. With less than two minutes remaining, Mitchell had a penalty goal from the halfway line to send the game to golden point. It came up short.

The Maroons held on.

“Disappointing way to end it,” Blues centre Tom Trbojevic said.

NSW arrived on the Gold Coast looking to secure their first clean sweep in more than 20 years. They had won the opening two games in style and the only changes they made to their side were forced – halves Jerome Luai and Nathan Cleary were the most significant absences, both injured.

Queensland’s changes were by choice as they welcomed back Ponga, handed the No. 9 jersey to Hunt and gave a first start to North Queensland flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

The opening two games had been played on Queensland soil but it hadn’t helped the home side. The finale was forced north as well after the Covid outbreak in Sydney but the support at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast appeared split down the middle.

The Maroons jogged out to a sprinkling of boos and sky blues jerseys were prominent. Queensland ran out under siege. The players had been vilified. No shortage of people were calling for the scalp of Green.

Green would have enjoyed his side’s start. They were the first to register points after the Blues were penalised for slowing down the play the ball.

Valentine Holmes stepped up and kicked the goal. The Maroons led 2-0 but their lead didn’t last long and it was Mitchell who again did the damage, beating his club teammate Gagai with ease and racing over. He then stepped up and kicked the goal as the Blues led 6-2.

Queensland were second best but they were back in front in the 19th minute when Maroons star Cameron Munster, unusually quiet in this year’s series, caused doubt in the Blues’ defensive line and Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui found himself in some space.

Tabuai-Fidow loomed in support and the Queensland rookie had a try on debut, Holmes converting to give the Maroons the ascendancy.

They had the chance to go further ahead with 10 minutes remaining in the opening half when NSW winger Brian To’o spilt a bomb and Gagai looked certain to score. To’o recovered to knock the ball from Gagai’s grasp with the line beckoning.

Adrian McMurray10.20pm:Trbojevic named player of the series

Tom Trbojevic is presented with the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series, as Daly Cherry-Evans addresses the Gold Coast crowd to a chorus of boos.

James Tedesco is up next and accepts the shield. And that’s it! Queensland get something from this series, but the shield is heading back to NSW.

James Tedesco holds aloft the Origin shield and celebrates with teammates after winning the series 2-1. Picture: Getty Images
James Tedesco holds aloft the Origin shield and celebrates with teammates after winning the series 2-1. Picture: Getty Images

Thanks for joining us throughout the series. If you’ve enjoyed our coverage and want more, you can subscribe here. We’ll have a more live sports coverage in the next month starting next week as the Tokyo Olympics begin. There’ll be more Origin coverage online and in the app tonight and in tomorrow’s print edition.

Adrian McMurray10.03pm:Queensland win it

Welch penalised for a high shot on Moses around the half way line, and NSW elect to go for two! Mitchell lines up the kick … but it falls just short! It was on track but didn’t have the length. Queensland have the ball with a minute to go. The ‘Queenslander’ chant rings out around Cbus Super Stadium. NSW get one play, they spread it left but Wighton gets nailed by Papalii as the siren sounds! Paulo goes on report for what appeared to be a punch as melees break out. Queensland win it 20-18. What a game.

Adrian McMurray9.57pm:Chance goes begging for NSW

Trbojevic bats a kick back to Martin, who knocks on! Relief for Queensland who work their way out of their half. Queensland lead 20-18 with four minutes to play.

Adrian McMurray9.56pm:NSW pile on the pressure

NSW are piling on the pressure here with repeat sets. Tedesco rolls a kick in, Brimson is caught in the in-goal, but the bunker checks for a potential penalty try for an obstruction. Nothing there, goal line drop out. NSW back on the attack. Queensland lead 20-18 with just over five minutes to play.

Adrian McMurray9.50pm:Koroisau scores on debut

TRY NSW! Moses puts up a kick, Trbojevic bats it down, Addo-Carr is cornered so passes back to Moses who puts in a kick. Koroisau races through and rolls over the line to score! That’s a try for Api on debut, and the last three tries in this match have been from hookers. Latrell kicks the extras, Queensland lead 20-18 after 70 minutes. What a final 10 minutes we’ve got coming up here!

Adrian McMurray9.43pm:Hunt scores another one

TRY Queensland! Wow – incredible passage of play as Ponga makes a break down the right. He and Coates exchange passes as NSW defenders fly in from everywhere. The Maroons get another six tackles and spread it left, Hunt getting it before coming back on the inside to score. DCE converts, Queensland lead 20-12 after 65 minutes.

Adrian McMurray9.37pm:Hunt puts Queensland back in front

TRY Queensland! Hunt from dummy-half shows it and goes, putting his head down to burrow over for a try. Cherry-Evans adds the extras, and Queensland have hit the front. Queensland lead 14-12 after 59 minutes.

Adrian McMurray9.33pm:Big plays for Queensland

A couple of big plays for the Maroons. First, Hunt forces the ball free from Latrell. Then moments later DCE looks for a 40/20. Addo-Carr makes a play at it but it goes dead off his hands! Queensland on the attack. NSW lead 12-8 after 56 minutes.

Adrian McMurray9.27pm:NSW back in front

TRY NSW! Moses links up with Wighton, who throws a dummy and finds a gap between DCE and Gagai and crosses! Wighton’s gone back to his strength – his running game – and the Blues are back in front. Mitchell kicks it, NSW lead 12-8 after 50 minutes.

Adrian McMurray9.23pm:NSW go on the attack in the second half

Big bomb from Moses into the in-goal and Ponga is out of position. Tabuai-Fidow comes to clean up but is smashed by Addo-Carr, NSW to go on the attack. But they can’t capitalise, an error from Murray handing the ball back. But Brimson returns the favour, NSW back on the attack! Cook ends the set with a grubber into the in-goal, but the bunker checks an obstruction … Gagai simply holds his ground, it’s a goal line drop out. Queensland lead 8-6 after 47 minutes.

Adrian McMurray9.18pm:Holmes ruled out

We’re back underway in the second half. Holmes is out of the rest of the match, with Brimson on in the centres and Tabuai-Fidow pushing out to the wing. Queensland have been an entirely different prospect this match, with a real injection of pace from their backline, but NSW are still just two behind. The Blues’ attack has been a bit clunky, showing just how Cleary and Luai have been missed.

Brent Read9.05pm:Maroons on top at halftime

Queensland are halfway towards salvaging some pride from this year’s State of Origin series. The Maroons took an 8-6 lead into the break at Cbus Stadium on Wednesday night, although they suffered a body blow only seconds from halftime when winger Valentine Holmes appeared to suffer a shoulder problem.

NSW arrived on the Gold Coast looking to secure their first clean sweep in more than 20 years. They had won the opening two games in style and the only changes they made to their side were forced – halves Jerome Luai and Nathan Cleary were the most significant absences, both injured.

Queensland’s changes were by choice as they welcomed back Kalyn Ponga, handed the No.9 jersey to Ben Hunt and gave a first start to North Queensland flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

The opening two games had been played on Queensland soil but it hadn’t helped the home side. The finale was forced north as well after the Covid outbreak in Sydney but the support at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast appeared split down the middle.

The Maroons jogged out to a sprinkling of boos and sky blues jerseys were prominent. More significantly, they ran out under siege. The players had been vilified. No shortage of people were calling for the scalp of coach Paul Green. The walls were closing in after a deplorable start to this year’s series.

Latrell Mitchell celebrates with Brian To'o. Picture: Getty Images
Latrell Mitchell celebrates with Brian To'o. Picture: Getty Images
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow celebrates with Valentine Holmes. Picture: Getty Images
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow celebrates with Valentine Holmes. Picture: Getty Images

Green would have enjoyed his side’s start. They were the first to register points after the Blues were penalised for slowing down the play the ball.

Holmes stepped up and kicked the goal. The Maroons led 2-0 but their lead didn’t last long and it was their nemesis Latrell Mitchell who again did the damage, beating his club teammate Dane Gagai with ease and racing over. He then stepped up and kicked the goal as the Blues led 6-2.

Queensland were second best but they were back in front in the 19th minute when Maroons star Cameron Munster, unusually quiet in this year’s series, caused doubt in the Blues’ defensive line and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui found himself in some space.

Tabuai-Fidow loomed in support and the Queensland rookie had a try on debut, Holmes converting to give the Maroons the ascendancy.

They had the chance to go further ahead with 10 minutes remaining in the opening half when NSW winger Brian To’o spilt a bomb and Gagai looked certain to score.

To’o recovered to knock the ball from Gagai’s grasp with the line beckoning. The Maroons had a two-point lead with 40 minutes to play. After the opening two games of this year’s series, it was more than enough.

Adrian McMurray8.59pm:Holmes hurt as half ends

That sustained Queensland pressure finally ends and NSW get two set restarts to work their way out of trouble. Trbojevic makes a break in the Maroons half but forces the pass, Queensland taking back possession. Neither side can trouble the scoreboard for the remainder of the half, Queensland taking an 8-6 lead into the break. Trouble for Holmes on the very last tackle of the half – looks like he’s hurt his shoulder.

Adrian McMurray8.54pm:Queensland put the pressure on

This is a real arm wrestle. Trbojevic gets some strapping around his head for a cut near his eye. Fittler goes to his bench for the first time tonight, with Haas and Crichton on for Finucane and Paulo. Wighton’s kicking game hasn’t been great so far, and another wayward effort gives Queensland a seven tackle set. Moments later To’o spills a kick, Gagai racing through on the loose ball but To’o gets a hand to the ball between Gagai’s hands, saving the try. Gagai knocks on, but Queensland get the penalty for an escort, Mitchell the guilty party. They get a set 10m out. DCE rolls a kick into the in-goal and To’o runs it dead. Another attacking set for Queensland, and Crichton is penalised for an escort as DCE puts a kick up. Points coming here, surely. Another penalty, but no sin bin just yet. It’s coming, though. Moses snuffs out a Ponga pass, but more ball for the Maroons here. Queensland lead 8-6 after 36 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.38pm:Addo-Carr hurt in tackle

Bit of concern for Addo-Carr here. The NSW winger was being held by Welch when Fa’asuamaleaui got his right across the back. The return of the prowler tackle? Addo-Carr wouldn’t have been able to brace for that – that looked nasty. He’s right to play on though. Queensland lead 8-6 after 23 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.33pm:Try on debut for ‘The Hammer’

Nice period for Queensland here. First a great kick return from Ponga. That’s followed by a good run from DCE. The Maroons get six again. Munster out of dummy half puts Fa’asuamaleaui through the line, and he finds Tabuai-Fidow on his outside – the centre scores on debut! That’s just Queensland’s second try for the series. Holmes nails the conversion from right in front. Queensland lead 8-6 after 20 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.29pm:Close call for Maroons

TRY Queensland! Wait … no it’s called back for a knock on. Holmes rushes out and smashes Moses, the ball dropping out of his hands, which Holmes collects and runs away to score. But it was in the act of passing, so it’s deemed to be a knock on. That’s more promising from the Maroons. NSW lead 6-2 after 16 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.23pm:Mitchell crosses for first try

Wayward pass to Wighton goes out the back of the NSW line, but Mitchell collects and has the Queensland defence on alert. NSW work it left again, Wighton to Mitchell, the centre putting on some nice footwork to beat his opposite Gagai and race to the line! Try NSW, Mitchell converts his own try. NSW lead 6-2 after 12 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.19pm:NSW attack ‘awful’: Johns

Murray with a one-on-one steal and NSW go on the attack. They end the set with Wighton penalised for off-side. Andrew Johns calls the NSW attack – minus Cleary and Luai for the first time this series – “awful”.

Adrian McMurray8.17pm:First points for Queensland

Mitchell knocks on a Queensland bomb, which Gagai collects. Was there a knock on there from the Queenslander? At any rate six again for the Maroons who go on the attack in good field position. First penalty of the match as Murray is pinged for lying in the ruck. The Maroons opt to take the two just to the left of the posts, and Holmes gets first points of the match. Queensland lead 2-0 after 5 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.10pm:Game 3 begins

Both sides are out on the field – it’s weird seeing Origin at this stadium, but hey, we’ve seen some pretty weird stuff this year so this is hardly the most strange. A great welcome to country – when the local elder says ‘Go Queensland’ there’s a mixed response from the crowd. Plenty of support for NSW here. Onto the anthem, and then kick-off. NSW kick off, Maroons with first use.

Adrian McMurray8.02pm:Gould’s message to the Blues

Gus Gould’s pre-match rev up is back. He looks back on Queensland’s decade of dominance, and the Queensland spirit. This will bring back plenty of happy memories for Queenslanders. He says the Blues need to have bigger goals in mind than just this series, adding NSW can’t show Queensland any mercy tonight.

A strong message for the Blues: go in for the kill. Kick-off not far away now.

Just quietly, how slick are these boots?

Adrian McMurray7.40pm:Blues ready to party like it’s 2000?

We’re around 30 minutes out from kick-off now. For all Queensland’s dominance in the past 15 or so years they only managed a clean sweep once during that time, in 2010. The last time NSW won a series 3-0 was 2000, and game three just happened to be their biggest victory of the series: 56-16 at Stadium Australia. That night Ryan Girdler scored three tries and kicked 10/10 goals. NSW couldn’t possibly emulate that … could they?

NSW players celebrate during game three of the 2000 series, the last time the Blues won a series 3-0. Picture: Brett Faulkner
NSW players celebrate during game three of the 2000 series, the last time the Blues won a series 3-0. Picture: Brett Faulkner

Adrian McMurray7.10pm:Final team lists are in

The final teams are in and there are no late changes for either side. A full run down of the earlier changes is available here. There’s now one hour to go until kick-off.

NSW: 1 James Tedesco (c), 2 Brian To’o, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Tom Trbojevic, 5 Josh Addo-Carr, 6 Jack Wighton, 7 Mitchell Moses, 10 Junior Paulo, 9 Damien Cook, 18 Dale Finucane, 11 Cameron Murray, 12 Tariq Sims, 13 Isaah Yeo. Interchange: 14 Apisai Koroisau, 15 Angus Crichton, 16 Payne Haas, 17 Liam Martin. 18th Man: 19 Nicho Hynes.

Queensland: 1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 Valentine Holmes, 3 Dane Gagai, 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5 Xavier Coates, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Christian Welch, 9 Ben Hunt, 10 Josh Papalii, 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Felise Kaufusi, 15 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Interchange: 14 AJ Brimson, 16 Moeaki Fotuaika, 18 Francis Molo, 20 Thomas Flegler. 18th Man: 19 Kurt Mann.

6.44pm:Cbus Super Stadium looks the goods

Adrian McMurray6.23pm:‘Inflict pain’: Katter’s swipe at Berejiklian

Queensland MP Bob Katter has taken a swipe at NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in a bizarre, tongue-in-cheek video posted ahead of game three.

In a nod to Ms Berejiklian’s now infamous pre-match post before game one, the Kennedy MP holds a bottle of milk and rum while Powderfinger’s hit song ‘Sunsets’ plays.

“In the cane fields and coal mines, we drink rum and milk and the NSW premier went on with a Coca Cola bottle in her hand … an American company,” Mr Katter says.

“This is Australian milk and Australian rum.”

He ends with a rather concerning warning.

“We may not win but I can assure you the boys from the cane fields and the coal mines will inflict upon you an awful lot of pain. That, I promise you.”

Chilling stuff.

Adrian McMurray5.30pm:Bizarre series to come to an end

Good evening and welcome to our coverage of game three of the 2021 State of Origin series. For the NSW Blues, this is pretty much as good as it gets: the series already in the bag, they’ve got a chance to make it a clean sweep, all in enemy territory. The Maroons are on the ropes, and the Blues have a shot at history in what’s been a weird series in (another) weird year.

Of course this is all being played out against the backdrop of a pretty bizarre and unsettling time for many in NSW. To our subscribers and readers in Greater Sydney: we hope you’re doing OK and that tonight’s game is a bit of a distraction from the current set of events. Of course if you want to stay up to date with all things Covid-19, the dedicated blog is live here.

But onto the footy.

Queensland have been well outplayed this series, but can save face (somewhat) with a win tonight.

Dale Finucane comes in for his first game of the series.
Dale Finucane comes in for his first game of the series.
Kalyn Ponga is a big inclusion for Queensland. Picture: NRL Photos
Kalyn Ponga is a big inclusion for Queensland. Picture: NRL Photos

The Maroons get Kalyn Ponga in for the first time in 2021, but lose Jai Arrow and David Fifita (both suspension). Andrew McCullough and Kyle Feldt have been dropped. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow comes into the centres for his Origin debut, Kurt Capewell shifts to the back row and AJ Brimson joins the bench. Tom Flegler will also make his debut via the interchange.

For NSW, there’s no Nathan Cleary or Jarome Luai with Mitch Moses to debut at halfback and Jack Wighton promoted from the bench at five-eighth. Api Koroisau takes the utility role on the interchange, while Dale Finucane replaces the injured Daniel Saifiti in the front row.

The match will take place at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast after being moved from Newcastle and Sydney Olympic Park due to the ongoing Covid outbreak in NSW. Kick-off is schedule for 8.10pm.

Who’s it going to be: NSW or Queensland? Sound off in the comments below.

Phil Rothfield5.15pm:Origin plan to fix broken season

This year’s State of Origin series should be the last that interrupts and almost ruins the NRL competition for six weeks.

Taking 34 of the finest players in the competition away from their clubs affects the standard of the competition every year yet we do nothing about it.

Picture: Getty Images
Picture: Getty Images

Let’s be serious … most of the football games over the last six weeks have been crap. Too many blowouts and too many stars missing.

Watching Manly without Tom Trbojevic is not the same. Watching Souths without Latrell Mitchell is not the same. And who wants to watch the Panthers without Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.

There is a way to fix this.

From next year there is an opportunity for three weekends of ‘Magic Round’ representative football starting in Melbourne then Brisbane and Sydney.

Five games each weekend in the one city at the one venue.

State of Origin men, women and Under 20s plus a round robin series between New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

Read the full story here

Brent Read5pm:Where are all the Queensland coaches?

It says a lot about the dire state of Queensland coaching that so many fans want to see Wayne Bennett rushed back to take charge of their beloved Maroons before this year’s State of Origin series is even over.

Bennett’s greatness is beyond dispute, his ability to understand Origin without peer, but why is the seven-time premiership winner always the answer?

Maroons coach Paul Green at training. Picture: NRL Images
Maroons coach Paul Green at training. Picture: NRL Images

More pointedly, why is the only alternative a bloke, albeit another Maroons legend, with barely any coaching experience under his belt.

Billy Slater is by all accounts an attacking genius. He understands the game and his work as a sounding board for Melbourne assistant coach Marc Brentnall has been largely responsible for the Storm’s attacking masterclass this season.

Yet Slater has never coached an NRL side and shows little appetite to do so, comfortable with his bit-part role in Melbourne and his work in the Nine Network commentary box.

The greatest misnomer in Origin right now is that Brad Fittler is simply a NSW legend who has waltzed in and sprinkled magic dust over the Blues.

Fittler has been a head coach at the Sydney Roosters and for Lebanon. He has endured success and catastrophe. He carries the scars of failure and has used them as the foundation for NSW supremacy.

Read the full story here

Brent Read4.45pm:NRL exodus for Queensland begins

The exodus has begun. Players and officials from St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers and Newcastle have become the first to board planes for Brisbane and their new homes for the next month.

The Dragons squad departs Sydney. Picture: Toby Zerna
The Dragons squad departs Sydney. Picture: Toby Zerna

The Dragons and the Tigers will make a beeline for Brisbane while Newcastle will be based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast under Operation Relocation, which was forced on the NRL by the growing Covid-19 numbers in Sydney.

The NRL was left with little choice but to relocate the 12 teams based in NSW amid the latest outbreak, their fear that had they stayed the competition would have been shut down.

Read the full story here

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