State of Origin 2020 game one: Queensland miracle as ‘Bennett’s Babes’ stun NSW
Queensland have pulled off a miracle in the City of Churches, downing NSW in one of the greatest upsets in Origin history.
- Queensland’s miracle in the City of Churches
- NSW cross to set up grandstand finish
- The view from Adelaide Oval at HT
- Concern for Cordner
- Podcast: Read, Bulldog and Riccio’s preview
Queensland have pulled off a miracle in the City of Churches, downing NSW 18-14 in one of the greatest upsets in Origin history. See how it all unfolded below.
Brent Read 10.32pm: Queensland’s miracle in the City of Churches
Where better for a miracle than the City of Churches? Queensland were the most despised outsiders in the recent history of State of Origin at Adelaide Oval, but on Wednesday night they conjured a victory when all hope was apparently lost.
It wasn’t quite an act of God, but Wayne Bennett is clearly a rugby league messiah. Bennett, parachuted in as Maroons coach when Kevin Walters took the Brisbane job, showed once again why he is the Origin oracle.
He turned a rag-tag squad of players into matchwinners. NSW were the shortest-priced favourites since betting on Origin games began more than 20 years ago. At halftime, the bookies looked on the money.
The Blues led by 10 points and seemed on their way to victory. But the second half was all about Queensland. They hassled NSW into errors, They created something out of nothing. They defied the critics and found a way to win 18-14 against a Blues outfit that was apparently unbeatable.
Few wins in Queensland’s proud Origin history have tasted as sweet. The second game of the series will be played next Wednesday and NSW coach Brad Fittler will head to ANZ Stadium with question marks over his side’s ability to retain the Origin shield.
Read the full match report here.
Adrian McMurray 10.06pm: Bennett’s boys take game one
Papalii gives away a penalty with around 30 seconds to go, as does Kaufusi with 15 seconds on the clock. He’s sent to the sin bin, and NSW set up on the left. But Tedesco is tackled, the siren sounds and that’s it! One of the great Origin upsets. Queensland win game one 18-14. Onto ANZ Stadium! Thanks for joining us for what’s been a remarkable game on a remarkable day in history. We’ll be back to blog game two next Wednesday.
Adrian McMurray 10.03pm: Last chance for NSW
NSW go to their left, but Coates bats it down to save what could well have been a late NSW try. Scrum to the Blues in good field position. Four points in it.
Adrian McMurray 9.55pm: NSW cross to set up grandstand finish
Queensland make another break down their right through Su’A but his pass fails to hit Gagai and goes dead. Good chance for the Maroons.
Great break down NSW’s right side leads to Addo-Carr putting in a chip over the top but he fails to regather. NSW decide to challenge and that … wasn’t a great idea. Minutes later Wighton limps from the field.
But hold on – the Blues aren’t done with yet – Addo-Carr crosses out wide! Cleary misses the ensuing conversion and Queensland hold a 18-14 lead with three minutes to go.
Capewell leaves the field with a leg injury. Let’s see if NSW can do something against a reshuffled Queensland backline.
Adrian McMurray 9.46pm: Queensland ambush is on
Queensland are in again through Munster! It’s sent up to the bunker … A wayward offload from Tupou misses the mark. Munster toes the ball away from Cleary, collects and just does enough to get his way over the line despite a chase from the fleet-footed Cook. DCE adds the extras, and Queensland lead 18-10 with 13 minutes to go. The ambush is very much on! What did Wayne say to his charges at halftime?!
Ohhhhh my! 😱
— NRL (@NRL) November 4, 2020
Munster collects the scraps & completes!
QLD extend their lead. #Origin pic.twitter.com/qfkvGPDP6O
Adrian McMurray 9.42pm: Walker’s on!
Walker’s on! Cody, that is. He replaces Jake Trbojevic. Let’s see what the NSW livewire can produce. Official attendance is 25,218 – fair old crowd in these times of restrictions. Queensland lead 12-10 with 17 minutes to go.
Adrian McMurray 9.33pm: Queensland storm in front
My word! Another Queensland try! Hunt takes on the line, makes a half break and gets it to DCE, who spreads it to Gagai. The South Sydney back has his opposite centre (and the Dally M medallist at that) Jack Wighton bamboozled, he makes a break and links up with his winger Xavier Coates, who powers his way over in the corner. This game has come to life! DCE converts from the sideline. Queensland lead 12-10 after 55 minutes.
Adrian McMurray 9.28pm: Debutants combine for Queensland’s first
Queensland open the scoring in the second half! Capewell, on debut, fends his opposite Gutherson and gets on his outside, puts in a chip kick on the run and it bounces beautifully into the hands of AJ Brimson racing through. The debutant fullback plants it, DCE adds the extras, and it’s very much game on. NSW lead 10-6 after 52 minutes.
Adrian McMurray 9.18pm: Second half begins
The players are back out there now for the second half. According to Channel 9, it’s a hamstring injury for Murray, not knee as reported earlier.
Brent Read 9.07pm: The view from Adelaide Oval at HT
NSW have the opening game of the State of Origin series at their mercy but their first-half lead has come at a high price after forward Cameron Murray suffered a knee injury that has placed a question mark over his participation in the remaining two games.
Captain Boyd Cordner was also forced from the field in the first half after suffering a head knock while attempting to tackle Maroons back rower Felise Kaufusi, although he returned to the action after passing a head injury assessment.
The Blues skipper missed almost half the NRL season due to head knocks and there were calls for him to give serious consideration to his future in the game. Those concerned for his health were no doubt on the edge of their seat when he left the field to undergo an assessment Many were then scratching their head when he was cleared to return given his recent history.
His return took on added importance given the loss of Murray, who had to be helped off when his leg was twisted in a tackle.
The Blues were on their way to victory at halftime, having weathered an early storm to take what looked to be a decisive 10-0 lead into the break.
Queensland spurned an early chance to take the lead when Daly Cherry-Evans shanked what looked a simple shot at goal.
They were made to pay. The Maroons had three successive shots at the NSW line but came away empty-handed and the Blues were rewarded for their defensive fortitude as they marched down the other end to open the scoring.
Damien Cook, who had blotted his copybook by dropping the ball from the kick-off, was the mastermind as he kicked for himself and regathered to plunge over the line.
Queensland had dominated the play but NSW led where it counted – on the scoreboard. Midway through the half, the Blues picked up their second try with a simple backline movement. Josh Addo-Carr had been denied by the video referee earlier in the contest but there was no doubt as he took advantage off some smart work by James Tedesco and Clint Gutherson to score in the corner.
The Blues were leading 10-0 and seemingly in control, albeit with their own injury count climbing as Murray left only seconds after entering the fray.
Adrian McMurray 9.01pm: Drab ending to first half
A fairly dour last period of the first half, as neither side can post any further points. It’s been a weird contest – it’s been fairly open, but there are just 10 points in it. NSW lead 10-0 at halftime.
8.50pm: Cordner returns, but should he?
Boyd Cordner about to come back into the game after passing HIA. No doubt, some will question the wisdom of that decision given his history .....
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) November 4, 2020
Adrian McMurray 8.48pm: More injury dramas for NSW
Oh dear. Cameron Murray, who came on as the HIA replacement for Cordner, has his knee twisted in an unfortunate tackle. Doesn’t look like he’ll be back tonight … that was nasty.
New South Wales are in control of #Origin I but the Blues have lost two key players during a brutal first half at the Adelaide Oval.
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) November 4, 2020
Details: https://t.co/1PyJi4yS3X pic.twitter.com/XLMdNS7uR5
So the Blues are likely to be down to 15 for the rest of this one. Just Payne Haas and Cody Walker as options on the bench, as Angus Crichton joins the action for Murray.
Meanwhile, Queensland bring Ben Hunt on at lock with about 13 minutes to go in the half. Interesting. NSW still lead 10-0.
Adrian McMurray 8.38pm: Concern for Cordner as NSW press ahead
Oh no … Boyd Cordner is off for a HIA, looking worse for wear. The NSW skipper has had concussion issues throughout the NRL season, and he may not return tonight, or for the rest of the series.
NSW meanwhile add to their lead through Addo-Carr. Tedesco chimes in on the right, good hands from Gutherson has the Foxx over in the corner. Cleary misses the conversion from out wide, NSW lead 10-0 after 22 minutes.
Adrian McMurray 8.33pm: Cook opens scoring for NSW
Kaufusi hits the deck, but he shrugs off the injury and plays on. Huge kick pressure from Capewell and Welch gives Queensland the ball in good field position. They get the ball again close to the NSW line, putting on some slick backline moves (out of the Storm playbook), but the NSW defence holds strong.
The young Queensland side were looking the goods, but Damien Cook more than atones for his dropped ball at the kick-off with the opening try! He darts from dummy-half, puts in a grubber which bounces off Maroons players, regathers and scores! Cleary adds two. NSW lead 6-0 after 17 minutes.
Adrian McMurray 8.24pm: DCE misses chance to post first points
NSW dust themselves off and work their way down the field, almost crossing first through Josh Addo-Carr, but the NSW flyer plants it on the touch line. Queensland have a chance of their own down their right side, but it’s defused. Both sides trade errors and penalties, before Daniel Saifiti is pinged for inside the 10m. Cherry-Evans elects to take the two from pretty much right in front … and he misses! It bounces off the posts and the Blues march up field. Still no score after 9 minutes.
Adrian McMurray 8.15pm: A very ‘2020’ start for NSW
Both sides run out onto Adelaide Oval – NSW in their alternate strip – and it’s time for the anthem, sung by Rachael Leahcar of The Voice fame. In commentary, Phil Gould says he loves the old-world charm of the venue, and it’s hard to argue with that. Queensland get us underway … and Damien Cook drops it cold from the kick-off! A very 2020 start for the Blues. Queensland go on the attack from the get-go.
🤯 A KNOCK-ON FROM THE KICK OFF! 🤯 #Origin LIVE and exclusive on @Channel9. #9WWOS pic.twitter.com/ZgjeIQ2W6x
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) November 4, 2020
Adrian McMurray 8.03pm: A Queensland-Trump double?
Sportsbet’s US Election-Origin doubles market had both Joe Biden and NSW as the strong favourites midweek.
A Joe Biden/NSW win was paying $2.05, while Donald Trump/Queensland was paying $8.35, Trump/NSW $3.70, and Biden/Queensland is $4.65,
Everything is still up in the air in the US (follow the latest on that here), could we see a Trump/Queensland double?
Moments before kick-off, NSW are $1.29 and Queensland $3.70 in head-to-head betting.
Brent Read 7.55pm: A miracle in the City of Churches?
Queensland have suffered another setback barely an hour before the opening game of the State of Origin series at Adelaide Oval.
Centre Brenko Lee came into the game under a cloud after aggravating his calf at training during the week.
Coach Wayne Bennett had confidently declared he would play but Lee’s night came to a premature end in the warm-up when he limped off the field and was scratched from the side.
Gold Coast winger Phillip Sami was brought in on the wing and Dane Gagai moved into the centres. The Maroons were already at long odds to win the opening game and their hopes have dwindled as the injuries have mounted.
Should they upset the odds, it would be one of the most remarkable wins in Origin history. Where better for a miracle than the City of Churches?
The Maroons were already missing a host of players, chief among them superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga and experienced centre Michael Morgan. Winger Valentine Holmes was also unavailable for the opening game due to suspension.
The Blues, on the other hand, boasted the vast majority of the squad that had led NSW to consecutive series wins under coach Brad Fittler.
The sides had flown into Adelaide on Wednesday morning and will fly out immediately after the game due to the strict protocols put in place by the NRL.
The game is a sellout, with 26,500 spectators expected to attend – the South Australian government had approved 50 per cent capacity.
Adrian McMurray 7.40pm: Podcast: Read, Bulldog and Riccio’s Origin I preview
Our man Brent Read sat down with The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie and David Riccio earlier today to give their last-minute thoughts on tonight’s match. Bulldog reckons this is the worst Queensland side – on paper – in Origin history. Do you agree? Listen below, and sound off in the comments.
Adrian McMurray 7.15pm: Late drama for Queensland
The final teams have dropped, and there’s late drama for Queensland. Brenko Lee (calf) is out after failing a fitness test, with Kurt Capewell to make his debut in the centres. NSW, meanwhile, are unchanged 1-17.
Adrian McMurray 7.07pm: Blues arrive at Adelaide Oval
The Blues are in the building! We’ll have the final teams for you shortly.
The Blues have arrived.#Origin LIVE and exclusive on Channel9. #9WWOS pic.twitter.com/SeOAK2u5yB
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) November 4, 2020
Adrian McMurray 6.37pm: Maroons headed for Adelaide Oval
The Maroons are on their way to Adelaide Oval.
Our man in Adelaide, Brent Read, spotted the Queensland side boarding the bus at the team hotel, complete with Queensland-branded masks.
The @QLDmaroons are on their way to Adelaide Oval. Follow the latest in our live blog: https://t.co/Vv0EjK7X8q (video: @brentread_7) #Origin pic.twitter.com/qMYuyzTSr9
— Australian Sport (@aus_sport) November 4, 2020
Adrian McMurray 6.15pm: Is this the end for Rabs?
Is Ray Warren about to retire?
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield, the iconic broadcaster concedes he might call it a day at the end of the Origin series.
While he said retiring would be like “would be like cutting off my right arm”, it appears this could be it for Rabs.
“I’m going to sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas and January and then make a decision,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
“It might have been my last grand final the other week, I honestly don’t know.
“If I’d announced before the game I wouldn’t have got through it. I get very emotional when I think about it.
“It’s hard to imagine what it would be like without broadcasting sport. It’s been five-and-a-half decades. I’ve never really treated it as a job. It’s more like a toy or a novelty. I’ve been really fortunate.”
Adrian McMurray 5.25pm: Ideal conditions for historic Origin opener
Hello and welcome to Origin day! It’s all a bit weird: we’re starting the series in November, in Adelaide, Wayne and Mal are coaching together and there are some key changes for both squads from last year’s series (which, quite frankly, feels like an eternity ago).
Of course, the Origin opener has been overshadowed somewhat by a certain other clash between red and blue … you can keep up with the latest on that here.
The deck at Adelaide Oval looks superb, and conditions look ideal for some free-flowing footy. It’s currently overcast and 17C, with the temperature set to drop to 13C around kick-off.
The deck is looking 👌
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) November 4, 2020
State of Origin - LIVE and exclusive TONIGHT on Channel 9. #9WWOS #Origin pic.twitter.com/1WCNTAp3Fj
Despite not being included in the 17 earlier in the week, Kurt Capewell will make his Queensland debut tonight. We’re not expecting any late changes to the NSW side, with final teams to land at around 7.10pm AEDT.
Brent Read 5.00pm: Maroons confident with history on their side
The bookmakers and most of the pundits – at least those with a NSW bent – suggest Queensland need a miracle. Queensland Rugby League chair Bruce Hatcher responds to the damnation of the Maroons by pointing to the past 40 years and the belief that comes from upsetting the oddsmakers on more than one occasion.
“Some people don’t believe the Queensland way and what it means to pull on a Queensland jersey – but they haven’t been in close proximity (to the team),” Hatcher said.
“They are more than a football team. It is all about doing their best for the people of Queensland. I went every year religiously.
“You would go home (before Origin) with your chin on the ground. Then when Artie (Beetson) led them out 40 years ago we just had hope.
“If I could go every year and see Queensland win 3-0, I would never get bored.”
NSW will start the Origin series on Wednesday night in Adelaide as the shortest-priced favourites to win the opening game since betting on the interstate rivalry began more than 20 years ago.
The are prohibitive odds to win the series as well, the odds tumbling as Queensland lose one player after another. On Tuesday, centre Brenko Lee sent the latest scare through the Maroons camp as he limped off the training track with a calf problem.
Read the full story here.
Peter Badel 4.30pm: Munster dreams of being as big as ‘The King’
Cameron Munster has put the Blues on notice by declaring he wants to “own” State of Origin and dominate for Queensland in the vein of Maroons playmaking legends Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer.
The injury-ravaged Maroons are banking on the instinctive big-game brilliance of Munster to spearhead a Queensland backs-to-the-wall boilover in the Origin series opener on Wednesday night at Adelaide Oval.
Munster has played four grand finals, won two premierships and was a squad member of Australia‘s 2017 World Cup win, but the Queensland pivot has yet to be a fully-fledged member of a series-winning Maroons outfit.
The last time Queensland won a series in 2017, Munster was an Origin novice, playing just one game in that series, albeit a sublime debut as he helped the Maroons to a 22-6 victory in the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
But now, in his eighth game as one of the most important players in the Queensland set-up, Munster is motivated by orchestrating a new era of Origin dominance for the Maroons.
Read the full story here.
David Riccio 4.00pm: Refs hitch a ride with Blues
Don’t kick the seat Freddy, referee Gerard Sutton is in front of you.
In a decision that will spark conspiracy theories from Queensland, the entire NSW Blues squad have flown to Adelaide on the same plane as all nine match officials in charge of State of Origin I on Wednesday night.
‘Operation Adelaide’ for the Blues has taken an unprecedented turn with game one referee Sutton and video review official Steve Chiddy booked to share the same charter flight as Brad ‘Freddy’ Fittler’s Blues.
Win, lose or draw for NSW, Sutton – who also officiated the NRL grand final last Sunday – and his team are also booked to fly back to Sydney with the Blues only hours after the historic series-opener in Adelaide.
Sutton’s seat on the same flight as the NSW players, coaching staff and support team prompts immediate thoughts of what in-flight discussions may unfold if a major refereeing decision goes against Fittler’s team.
Read the full story here.
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