2026 NRL – State of Origin, Game 3: The view from the Tanunda Club

 

 

 

 

A couple of Queenslanders joined a mixed gathering of Barossa locals and a group of Blues supporters at the historic Tanunda Club.

The outside temperature was in single figures due to wind and rain, perfect weather for lamb and rosemary sausages, with the Rockford.

 

 

 

 

After Queensland’s domination in Game 2 in Melbourne and the decider being played at home, the Maroons were in the unusual position of favourites for this eagerly anticipated clash.

New South Wales had been poor in the second half of game two at the MCG, conceding 36 points. However, in Origin, nothing is a certainty.

Queensland began the game with several uncharacteristic errors, gifting the Blues field position. Wally Lewis medallist Nathan Cleary seized these opportunities: he scored twice for the Blues to leap out to a 12-0 lead.

New South Wales was dominant through the forwards, with 2027 South Sydney recruit Payne Haas leading the way. And with Liam Martin and company terrorising Sam Walker, Queensland were under constant pressure.

Cleary was at it again with a one-on-one steal (Selwyn Cobbo) in the lead up to Cam Murray’s try. New South Wales was dominating in both attack and defence. The 18-0 scoreboard reflected this.

Mitchell Moses, one of many fiercely debated New South Wales selections, had his long kicking boots on. He continually turned Queensland back into their own 20m area to increase the pressure on the Maroons.

Queensland managed to trouble the scorers before half-time with an unconverted try to the speedster Tabuai-Fidow.

New South Wales had turned the tables completely on Queensland from Game 2.

It was going to take something quite special for Queensland to make the decider a contest in the second half. Cobbo, who was close to player of the match in Melbourne, scored first after half-time, with Walker again missing the conversion.

The much-maligned Bunker ruled in favour of New South Wales for a length of the field try to the magnificently named Bradman Best. Queensland was certainly more in the contest at this point in the game; however, New South Wales deserved their win.

Laurie Daley had been the subject of fierce criticism for both his selections and tactics, however in the coaching stakes Billy Slater was left to ponder a third straight loss for his team at the Cauldron.

Post-match we discussed several key points with staunch New South Welshman Scott Levy, whose father Mark had a successful career with Balmain, Parramatta and Penrith, including: the dominance of the aggressive Blues forwards, alongside Queensland leaving Carrigan on the bench; Cleary and Moses dominating on the back of the New South Wales forwards’ great work; equally the pressure heaped on Walker and Munster.

And some speculation on the future: do Queensland have the aggressive forwards to match the likes of Martin, Olakau’atu and Haas? Who will coach the respective sides in 2027?

I may have mentioned how good Payne Haas will look in the cardinal and myrtle of South Sydney next year.

All these topics were dissected very easily with a glass of Barossa red in hand.

John Harms and I may have left the Tanunda Club as disappointed Queenslanders; however, we agreed that, overall, it was a great series with the highlights being the Melbourne Almanac lunch before Game 2 and the dominant Queensland win at the MCG, viewed from the MCC members’ reserve. The road trip from the Barossa to Melbourne only added to the experience.

Rugby league certainly the winner!

Bring on 2027.  After all, Tanunda is in Queensland!

 

Match details:

New South Wales 30 d Queensland 12

NSW team list: Tedesco, Bostock, Best, Crichton, Nawaqanitawase, Moses, Cleary, Hass, Robson, Barnett, Young, Martin, Yeo (Captain), bench: Murray, Fonua-Blake, Olakau’atu Strange, Koula. Coach: Laurie Daley

Queensland team list: Ponga, Cobbo, Toia, Tabuai-Fidow, Fifita, Munster (Captain), Walker, Flegler, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Nikora, Capewell, Cotter, bench: Plath, Carrigan, Nanai, Loiero, Taulagi. Coach: Billy Slater

Points: NSW tries (5) Cleary 14 & 26’, Murray 29’, Best 56’, Young 80’, goals: Cleary 5

Points: Queensland: tries (3) Tabuai-Fidow 34’, Cobbo 48’, Fifita 63’.

Half-time: NSW 18-4

Penalties: Queensland 5-3

Referee: Ashley Klein

Crowd: 52, 452

 

Highlights:

State of Origin 2026 | Maroons v Blues | Match Highlights | Game III – YouTube

 

Press conferences:

“Show some balls” Daley fires back at critics after Blues seal Origin series win | Press Conference

Slater addresses talk of his future as shock loss has QLD looking for answers | State of Origin

 

2026 State of Origin summary:

Game 1: Sydney: NSW 22 d Queensland 20

Game 2: Melbourne: Queensland 44 d NSW 24

Game 3: Brisbane: NSW 30 d Queensland 12

 

Barossa Valley red wine of the week:

 

Rockford Moppa Springs 2022 Grenache Mataro Shiraz
Thanks to JTH!

 

Russel Hansen was born in Kingaroy, Queensland 4610, then lived in God’s country for 55 years, including great years in both Toowoomba and Brisbane, before moving 2183km south to the Barossa Valley in January 2023.

 

To read our library of rugby league stories click HERE.

To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.

To see the full 2026 season draw for the NRL click HERE.

To see the full 2026 season draw for the NRLW click HERE.

 To see the details for State of Origin in 2026 click HERE.

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.