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State of Origin game one live: Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell carve up Queensland in record NSW victory

Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell were untouchable as NSW brought up 50 points in a record victory in the first Origin match in Townsville.

Brent Read and Adrian McMurray
15 min read
5:22PMJune 09, 2021.
Updated 10:50PMJune 09, 2021
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Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary celebrate during NSW’s win over Queensland. Picture: Getty Images
Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary celebrate during NSW’s win over Queensland. Picture: Getty Images

NSW have dominated the opening game of the 2021 State of Origin series, scoring a record 50-6 win over Queensland in Townsville. See how it unfolded below.

Adrian McMurray10.08pm:NSW take game one

They’re up by 44 points, and NSW are still desperate in defence. Coates finally gets to a kick over To’o but Mitchell takes him down. He gets it to Gagai but Yeo is there to clean up and save the try. No further points as NSW see this one through to full time. The Blues have won 50-6 in Townsville.

NSW celebrate during their big win over Queensland. Picture: Getty Images
NSW celebrate during their big win over Queensland. Picture: Getty Images

That’s NSW’s biggest win over Queensland. Three tries for Trbojevic, two for Mitchell, two for To’o and one for Saifiti. Queensland’s only points came late in the first half via a Capewell try and Holmes conversion. It was a brilliant performance from the NSW centres who combined all over the park. An old school type performance from the pair, perhaps a tribute to one of the game’s greatest centres Bob Fulton, who sadly died last month. Great performance across the park from the Blues, NSW fans will be loving this! Now on to game two in Brisbane on Sunday June 27. Thanks for joining us, there will be plenty more Origin coverage tonight online, in the app and in tomorrow’s print edition.

Adrian McMurray9.54pm:NSW bring up 50

Cleary makes a break down the short side, links up with Tedesco who flicks back on the inside to Trbojevic who crosses for his third! Cleary converts and that’s 50. NSW lead 50-6 with 10 minutes to go.

Adrian McMurray9.49pm:Saifiti joins in on the action

Another NSW try – this time it’s Saifiti who barges over close to the line! Cleary kicks it and it’s out to 44-6 with 14 minutes to go.

Adrian McMurray9.45pm:Mitchell grabs another try

Another NSW try! Coates drops a Cleary bomb, it bounces back and Mitchell grabs it and runs away to score. Cleary keeps his 100 per cent record for the night going, NSW lead 38-6 after 62 minutes.

Adrian McMurray9.41pm:Who’s going to stop these centres?

Luai makes a break, links up with Mitchell who finds Trbojevic on the inside who crosses under the posts. NSW are carving Queensland up. The NSW centres have been superb – who said they have to stick to either side of the field? Cleary converts, NSW lead 32-6 with 20 minutes remaining.

Adrian McMurray9.31pm:Centres combine for another try

Lazy penalty given away by Ofahengaue, taking out Tedesco during a contest for the ball. A few minutes later, NSW are back on the attack. Murray is flattened by Feldt with what looked like a shoulder to the head, but the referee allows the play to unfold. The halves push it left with Trbojevic next to Mitchell (!), the former putting in a grubber to Mitchell who scores. Cleary slots the extras, and it’s NSW 26-6 after 51 minutes. Feldt on report for the shot on Murray.

Adrian McMurray9.20pm:Cleary, Fifita rejoin the contest

Underway in the second half. The NSW cutman has been busy at the break patching Cleary up and he’s back out there, Wighton making his way back to the bench. NSW have gone through four interchanges. Good news for Queensland too, with Fifita passing his HIA.

Luai cops a knee to the back from Coates during an aerial contest early in the second stanza, but he’s right to play on. Score remains 20-6 the way of NSW after 44 minutes.

Brent Read9.03pm:NSW centres dominate first half

NSW has taken control of the opening game of the State of Origin series after dominating Queensland in the first half 20-6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

Inspired by centres Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic, the Blues raced in three tries and only a late response from Queensland centre Kurt Capewell gave the scoreboard a level of respectability.

The Blues ran out in complete darkness to a barrage of boos. In contrast, Queensland were greeted by raucous cheers as they took to the field and the lights took effect.

The stadium was a sea of maroon and they were up in arms in the ninth minute when NSW were given the chance to open the scoring.

Christian Welch is out of the game. Picture: Getty Images
Christian Welch is out of the game. Picture: Getty Images

Tom Trbojevic was playing in the centres for NSW but he was bobbing up all over the field and he drew a penalty from Daly Cherry-Evans when he chased through a Nathan Cleary kick.

Cleary converted the penalty and the Blues had an early 2-0 lead. The Maroons suffered another setback four minutes later when Christian Welch clashed heads with NSW debutant Brian To’o and hit the deck.

Welch left the field for a head injury assessment and the Maroons were down a forward. Mitchell, making his return to Origin after a two-year absence, had already caused headaches for Queensland and he was the man who inspired the opening try.

Mitchell darted out of dummy half and threatened to go the length of the field himself. A penalty followed moments later when Kyle Feldt gave away a needless penalty and NSW turned pressure into points when Tom Trbojevic – the form player in the NRL coming into Origin – proved too good for Kurt Capewell.

The Maroons’ fears had been realised and the Blues were off to a flyer, leading 8-0 inside the opening 20 minutes.

Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Grant Trouville
Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Grant Trouville

Worse was to come. NSW were shredding the Maroons and Damien Cook, who came into the game under pressure to hold his spot ahead of Api Koroisau, sliced the Maroons open. Mitchell then went to work, his quick hands allowing To’o to dive over in the corner.

In the aftermath, Cleary received treatment for a cut below his eye and Moeaki Fotuaika was placed on report for a late shot on Mitchell.

The Maroons were in disarray and things only got worse in the 28th minute when Tariq Sims hurtled onto a short ball from Cleary and threw the pass for To’o to get his second. The game was less than 30 minutes old but it was just about over.

The Blues led by 20 points and the air had been sucked out of the stadium. The optimistic mood that enveloped the ground prior to kick off gave way to a sense of disbelief.

Queensland were being battered on home turf. They desperately needed to respond and they managed to do just that with five minutes remaining in the opening half when Capewell got one back on the outstanding Tom Trbojevic.

A long ball from Munster enabled him to isolate NSW’s best player and Capewell did the rest, slipping out of Trbojevic’s attempted tackle to score.

Adrian McMurray9.01pm:NSW lead at halftime

Queensland force a drop out and go on the attack, but Mitchell snuffs out an attack, nailing Holmes to force an error. NSW work it back upfield, and the half ends with a brief tussle between Murray, Addo-Carr, Feldt and Munster. That’s halftime: NSW lead 20-6. What a half – despite NSW’s dominance, Queensland aren’t done with yet. Tom Trbojevic, Mitchell and To’o have all been excellent for NSW.

Adrian McMurray8.54pm:Queensland get first points

Queensland get into good field position nine minutes from the break but Kaufusi drops it in a Luai tackle. Moments later Mitchell is pinged for a strip, and Queensland go on the attack. Capewell scores! The rangy centre gets one back on Trbojevic, getting to his outside to get Queensland’s first points. Holmes nails the kick, and we’re back to 20-6 after 36 minutes. David Fifita is off for an HIA, and Nathan Cleary is told to leave the field with blood continuing to flow from his face. Wighton on and into the halves. An error from the kick-off, Capewell catching the kick while straddling the sideline, and the Maroons go on the attack.

Adrian McMurray8.44pm:To’o grabs a double

Wow, Trbojevic has had 10 sprint efforts and has been clocked at 34.9km/h so far in this match. NSW are in good attacking position and go left again. Cleary goes short to Sims who manages to fire a huge cut-out pass to To’o for his second try on debut! Cleary is back on kicking duties, nailing the conversion. Sublime pass from Sims. NSW lead 20-0 after 29 minutes.

More bad news for the Queenslanders – Welch has failed his HIA.

Adrian McMurray8.39pm:NSW push in front through To’o

Damien Cook makes a huge break, passing left to Tedesco in support. Cameron Munster gets a hand to it but the NSW captain regathers. They work it left, Luai to Mitchell to To’o who dives over in the corner. TRY! Mitchell is absolutely folded by Fotuaika after passing and is on the ground for a while. Looks like he’s just winded though, as he takes the conversion and nails it from out wide. Cleary was receiving some attention for a cut to the cheek. Fotuaika on report. NSW lead 14-0 after 25 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.32pm:‘Out of this world’: Trbojevic crosses first

Latrell Mitchell makes an incredible break down the left flank, getting around Xavier Coates. They work it to the right, a kick goes into the in-goal. Holmes has it covered but Feldt knocks Addo-Carr off the ball. He was never going to get there … NSW ball. And NSW cross for the first try! They work it right, Cleary linking up with Trbojevic who gets on the outside of Capewell to score.

“This first 20 minutes, he has been out of this world,” Andrew Johns says.

Cleary nails the kick, NSW lead 8-0 after 20 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.28pm:First HIA of game one

We’ve got our first HIA of the night. Christian Welch, one of rugby league’s nice guys, comes off second best in a head clash after attempting to tackle Brian To’o. He’s groggy, and leaves the field. Mo Fotuaika into the action. The debutant winger To’o receives some attention too but stays on.

Queensland are able to work their way down field later and get a six-again call in the attack zone but Munster obviously doesn’t hear it and kicks to the wing. NSW regain possession, but the momentum’s shifted to Queensland. NSW still lead 2-0 after 15 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.22pm:First points for NSW

We’re underway in Origin I! NSW with the first real moment of the match, a nice shift to the left ending with Tariq Sims dropping the ball. There’s a shift to the Queensland left moments later, David Fifita kicking through but Tedesco shuts it down.

“This is as fast a game as I’ve seen in the opening six minutes,” Andrew Johns says in commentary.

Tom Trbojevic seems to be playing all over the field, not tied down to the one edge.

Daly Cherry-Evans is pinged for an escort near the posts, stopping Trbojevic from claiming a kick near the tryline, NSW elect to kick for goal. Cleary nails the kick from the left of the sticks. NSW lead 2-0 after 10 minutes.

Adrian McMurray8.05pm:Gus’ on-field monologue returns

Nine have brought back the on-field Gus Gould monologue. He talks a lot about courage, Game of Thrones (?) and rookies. You’ve got to think he’s just referencing his former Panthers on debut there in Luai, To’o and Martin. Just minutes to go now until kick-off.

Adrian McMurray7.46pm:Veronicas take to the stage

The Veronicas have hit the stage at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. They’ve donned blue and maroon glittery outfits with a ‘V’ across the front. At first I thought it was for Victoria, but I guess it’s for ‘Veronicas’. At any rate, can’t say their work is my cup of tea but I’m sure the kids love it. A nice tie-in for Nine’s Celebrity Apprentice at the very least.

Adrian McMurray7.12pm:Final teams confirmed: Hunt in

The confirmed teams have landed, with just the one late change – Ben Hunt in for Coen Hess as 18th man, as we reported earlier.

Queensland

5 Valentine Holmes, 2 Xavier Coates, 3 Kurt Capewell, 4 Dane Gagai, 18 Kyle Feldt, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Christian Welch, 9 Harry Grant, 10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11 Felise Kaufusi, 12 David Fifita, 13 Jai Arrow. Interchange: 14 AJ Brimson, 15 Jaydn Su’A, 16 Mo Fotuaika, 17 Joe Ofahengaue. 18th Man: 21 Ben Hunt

NSW
1 James Tedesco (c), 2 Brian To’o, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Tom Trbojevic, 5 Josh Addo-Carr, 6 Jarome Luai, 7 Nathan Cleary, 8 Daniel Saifiti, 9 Damien Cook, 10 Jake Trbojevic, 11 Cameron Murray, 12 Tariq Sims, 13 Isaah Yeo. Interchange: 14 Jack Wighton, 15 Junior Paulo, 16 Payne Haas, 17 Liam Martin. 18th Man: 18 Apisai Koroisau


Adrian McMurray6.18pm:Queensland to spring late change

Queensland are set to pull a surprise selection with Ben Hunt likely to be named as 18th man ahead of Coen Hess. The Dragons skipper was a late addition to the Queensland squad, after Reed Mahoney was injured in Parramatta’s big win over Newcastle.

Ben Hunt is likely to join Queensland’s side tonight as 18th man. Picture: Shae Beplate.
Ben Hunt is likely to join Queensland’s side tonight as 18th man. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Hunt’s inclusion will surprise some after he played in St George Illawarra’s victory over Brisbane last Thursday. NSW’s 18th man, Apisai Koroisau did not play for Penrith in round 13.

Just like in the NRL, the 18th man rule will be in play during the Origin series, with that player able to join the match if three of him teammates fail HIAs or a player is ruled out of the match due to an act of foul play.

The final line-ups will be confirmed at around 7.10pm.

Brent Read5.50pm:Party time as Origin hits Townsville

A sea of maroon has descended on Queensland Country Bank Stadium as State of Origin makes a historic first appearance in Townsville.

A capacity crowd of nearly 30,000 will attend the game, the overwhelming majority in support of the home team. The Blues can expect a torrid reception.

Fans spent most of Wednesday afternoon gathering in the middle of the city, where the NRL and local authorities held a series of live concerts. Bars were overflowing.

Maroons fan Leigh Maskell prior to kick-off in Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan
Maroons fan Leigh Maskell prior to kick-off in Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

The game will start at 8pm with the Blues once again the favourites, Queensland coach Paul Green having warmly embraced the underdogs tag.

“We are,” Green said.

“Because we’ve had a pretty disrupted prep and on paper they’re a better team than us. In terms of training we haven’t had a full week’s prep with guys in different positions.

“It is what it is. They’re experienced and they know what they have to do come game day. I suppose as part of the challenge from a coaching point of view is how you bring that group together. I’m really happy with where we’re at.”

Green, having played seven games for Queensland during his own career, is making his bow as Maroons coach.

His maiden campaign has been blighted by injury concerns over Kalyn Ponga, who was ruled out of the game with an adductor problem, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant.

Munster and Grant were both cleared to play, as was centre Dane Gagai, who struggled with tonsillitis.

In comparison, the Blues’ preparation has been seamless as they attempt to exact revenge for last year’s shock series defeat.

“When we got to Townsville you realised where you were and what you were there for,” NSW hooker Damien Cook said.

“You can say it is a neutral ground because no-one has been here before but we are in Queensland and I am sure there will be a strong following for them.

“I am hoping we have some support up here for us as well.”

Historically, the outcome of the first game has been crucial in the series.

“I think we can learn from last year – we were up in the first half and we let it go and made it had for ourselves,” Cook said.

“It is not do or die but it is very important to get one early and that is what we will be looking to do.”

Townsville feeling the 'State of Origin spirit'

Origin I will be played the game in the midst of a crackdown on high contact. Both coaches have raised concerns about the potential to play with 12 men at some stage in the contest given the use of the sin bin in the NRL in recent weeks.

The Blues have built their side around players from league leaders Penrith, among the debutants five-eighth Jarome Luai.

Asked whether rookies could be caught out under the bright lights of Origin, Green said: “The answer is yes. I’m not talking about Jarome specifically.

“Different people have made debuts where they’ve killed it and other guys have just not got themselves into the game.

“It’s certainly a step up and until you experience it, it’s another level up. I’m not going to say he’s going to be up to it or he won’t be up to it, but it’s another level up.”

Adrian McMurray5.46pm:NSW Premier’s curious Origin pic

Just what is Gladys Berejiklian doing in this photo? The NSW Premier has sparked a series of memes on social media, after posting a picture preparing (?) for the game. With her back to the camera, she appears to be holding an unopened can of Coke (no sugar) some four hours before kick-off.

Of course, people move quickly.

We wonder whether Ms Berejiklian’s Queensland counterpart will respond to this one.

Adrian McMurray5.33pm:Origin’s back, baby

Welcome to Origin night! After the pandemic shifted the series to the post-season in 2020, it’s back in its mid-year spot and Queensland have claimed the underdog tag. Nature is healing. What is new is the venue – the interstate clash has ventured to Townsville for the first time, which is a big win for the people of far north Queensland and a big shot in the arm for tourism in the area, no doubt.

Michael Sams with Hollie, 12, and Hunter, 15 in Townsville on Origin night. Picture: Evan Morgan
Michael Sams with Hollie, 12, and Hunter, 15 in Townsville on Origin night. Picture: Evan Morgan

While it’s supposedly a neutral venue, we don’t think there will be too much love for NSW tonight … we’ll have more from Brent Read in Townsville shortly. Kick-off is 8.10pm AEST, with the final teams to land an hour before that. Who are you tipping? Sound off in the comments below.

5pm:Who we’re backing in game one

Brent Read
Queensland by 8
First tryscorer: David Fifita
Man of the match: Daly Cherry-Evans

Wally Mason
NSW by 12
First tryscorer: Tom Trbojevic
Man of the match: Jake Trbojevic

“I’m tipping the Blues – a backline full of exciting strike weapons, a halves pairing who have honed their combination at club level, a forward pack full of hard-running tackling machines. That said, it’s Orign – anything could happen.”

Simon McLoughlin
Queensland by 6
First tryscorer: Kyle Feldt
Man of the match: Harry Grant

Stephen Samuelson
NSW by 14
First tryscorer: Josh Addo-Carr
Man of the match: Tom Trbojevic

Daniel Sankey
NSW by 14
First tryscorer: Tom Trbojevic
Man of the match: Nathan Cleary

Adrian McMurray
NSW by 4
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
Man of the match: James Tedesco

Phil Rothfield4.30pm:Mal slams NSW’s ‘un-Australian’ selections

Mal Meninga has created a State of Origin storm by questioning the position of Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai and other Polynesian players in Wednesday night’s game who are not committed to the Australian jersey.

Jerome Luai. Picture: Getty Images
Jerome Luai. Picture: Getty Images

The Kangaroos coach is a huge supporter of growth in the Pacific Islands but insists Origin should be a selection trial for the Australian team and include only players who are playing for a green and gold jersey.

“My preference is that if you make yourself available for NSW and Queensland that first and foremost you are available for the Kangaroos,” Meninga told News Corp mastheads.

“You might describe that as selfish but I want to keep the fabric of Origin clean.

“I’m a huge fan of the international game and I don’t begrudge players wanting to play for their ancestors and their country.”

I put it to Mal that Jarome Luai deserves his spot in the side, despite him pledging his allegiance to Samoa.

“You could put a Jack Wighton or Luke Keary at five-eighth,” he said.

“You look at Junior Paulo … do you lose anything by putting RCG (Reagan Campbell-Gillard) there. There’s plenty of props around.

“Would that weaken the Blues or Origin? I don’t think so.”

Read the full story here

Brent Read4pm:Blues wary of an Origin ambush

Finally, Townsville is starting to come alive. The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef has been relatively subdued in recent days but the sense of expectation skyrocketed on Tuesday as the respective sides put the finishing touches on their preparations and the mind games ramped up a notch.

Queensland coach Paul Green completed a rite of passage for Maroons mentors when he claimed underdog status. The Blues responded by suggesting they didn’t listen to anything emanating from Queensland. It wasn’t exactly fire and brimstone, but finally there were some shards of contretemps.

Captains Daly Cherry-Evans and James Tedesco. Picture: Grant Trouville
Captains Daly Cherry-Evans and James Tedesco. Picture: Grant Trouville

The real fireworks will arrive on Wednesday night as a NSW side still indignant from last year’s series loss run out to a vitriolic reception and make it their mission to send home more than 20,000 Queensland supporters with their tail between their legs.

They are on guard for an ambush. They expect Queensland, hooked on a sugar-hit of emotion, to start fast. Hooker Damien Cook knows the Blues need to match the Maroons or the game could be over inside the opening 20 minutes.

Read the full story here

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