You could say, but you’d have to be a tad facetious, that the omens were all in favour of NSW to win both Game 3 and the 2024 State of Origin series. Moses came into the team to lead the way out of the wilderness; the last time it snowed in parts of Queensland (which it did today) was a generation ago, about the time NSW last won a decider at Lang Park; and, when the critical moment came, they put their Best foot forward.
But that would take away from both a great match and a great series, so let’s be serious. This was gritty, physical, suffocating, grinding and relentless Origin footy. For all of 63 minutes it was anyone’s game. Then, in the blink of an eye, two missed tackles allowed NSW to break clear and go on to win an absorbing clash. There will be some very sore players tomorrow morning and it will be interesting to see how many of the 34 combatants front up for their NRL clubs this weekend.
I said in my preview that forwards win matches. In this game, the Queensland pack played so much better than they did in Melbourne but they were still not up to their opposition. The NSW forwards were stronger and a better combination as a pack. Their bench forwards were also better than their Maroon counterparts. They made more metres more often, even if not to the extent they did in Melbourne. I thought Isaah Yeo was the pick of them and had him marked down for Man of the Match. (No disrespect to Dylan Edwards intended.) Queensland were at least one power forward short in both Games 2 and 3, probably two, and they didn’t get enough out of their bench. The selection of Capewell was not successful even though he tried his heart out. His time at this level has passed. The armchair critics will say that Fifita should have played instead. Maybe. The pre-game shuffle was odd but those on the field did not let their side down in their level of endeavour. But, somehow, they just didn’t seem settled. Hats off to Patrick Carrigan who I thought was Queensland’s best player (just ahead of Tom Dearden).
I also said in my preview that defence wins matches. Queensland didn’t look like scoring a try tonight. What greater compliment can you pay to the Blues? Angus Crichton is one mean hombre and probably deserved the Wally Lewis Medal for three top efforts throughout the series. The other Crichton, Stephen, is also a tough character who also gave everything in every game. NSW always looked the more likely to score because they dominated field position and forced Queensland to start their sets from way back in their own zone. The Maroon flyers were well contained, even a bit flat. Across the park, the Blues tackled in swarms and gave the Queenslanders no room to move or create. DCE had an unusually low-key night and those outside Dearden were rarely sighted because they were given neither time or space.
In the end, NSW dominated possession by 57% to 43% and play-the-balls inside the red zone by a large margin. Add that to their forward dominance and strong defence and you can see how and why they won. It was a worthy victory, a team victory, and, following on from the demolition in Melbourne, a worthy series triumph as well. In total, NSW scored just 2 more points across the series but it felt like more.
Congratulations to Michael Maguire on a first up series win as coach. A change of coach often leads to a change of result. He did very well indeed to lift his group back into the series after the disappointment in Sydney. He picked the right players in the right positions, gave them a game plan to work with, got them onside from a man management perspective and came up trumps.
So the tide turns yet again in this wonderful spectacle. It will be remembered as a series of fluctuations, a series missing key players throughout, a series where, yet again, the margin between winning and losing was a very fine line.
State of Origin is alive and well, thank you very much, and there’s no reason why 2025 can’t be just as good.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
That certainly describes the game Rabbit in the Vineyard and I watched in a packed house at the Tanunda Club. Good to see so many rugba league fans there – and some interested others. All led by Mick the Barman, a mad Penrith fan, and one-eyed Cockroach.
Interesting to watch the reaction of the crowd who sensed the tension and struggle in the game, and contributed to it in the pub.
We kept noticing Edwards – he was everywhere. We noticed Dearden who was desperately trying to be creative, and handled the way he was targeted in defence. DCE was somewhat pedestrian, especially in moments when Queensland, and the game, needed a spark to ignite something brilliant. Start of second half. And with ten minutes to go. Perhaps credit goes to the NSW defence We noticed Yeo and Haas.
I just wonder how the champion creators of days gone by would have handled the second half. After such a physical first 50 minutes, the game had the potential to open up, if someone could open it up.
JTH, I think we might see Billy undertake a revamp at the selection table next year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hunt and DCE give it away at this level (age); Capewell, Kaufusi and Gagai will not return. Holmes may be too small for a modern day centre and too short for today’s wingers (To’o excepted, but he has bulk and strength to more than compensate). Grant seems to have plateaued after bursting onto the Origin scene. Hopefully we’ll have the currently injured back – Tino, Munster, Gilbert, Coates, Taulagi – while Fifita comes into the starting side; Nanai needs more bulk. I don’t regard any of that as ‘panic’, just a recognition that we need to go into a transitional phase – as ‘Madge’ did with his side this year.
But what an onslaught of a game. They’ll be comparing bruises this morning.
Ian, as someone who is a rugby league admirer rather than a rusted-on fan, I found myself gripped by this match.I just could not avert my eyes. I thought the better team won the match, an it was a deserved series win by NSW.
I certainly agree with JTH’s comments that in the second half the game was crying out for someone to take it by the scruff of the neck. And early, it looked like someone from Queensland would. NSW just too resolute in the end.
I’m very much like Smokie and watch the occasional rugby league game, but this origin series has been rivetting. I thought last evening’s game was brutal, both teams totally committed. I don’t think any player let their side down. I found myself flinching on the couch with the tackling. Great summary Ian, and although I’m sure you (and Queenslanders) are disappointed, Rugby League was the big winner.
You know it’s a great game when you are utterly exhausted from watching it! Great summary Ian and there’s something about Suncorp that provides the energy like no other rectangular ground. I remember watching a Kangaroos v Kiwis game at the old Lang Park in 1985 I think and felt blessed to get out of there alive. It was the Dowling v Tamati boundary line brawl night. Frightening.
Ian, I was at Lang Park in 1991 for Wally’s last game for the Maroons, the series decider for that year. As the teams came back out onto the ground after half-time, the ground announcer told the crowd that it was The King’s last game. Well, talk about a religious experience! The Maroons won late, 14-12, and as Wally and his little kids did a very slow lap of honour after the game, the fervour, energy and reverence of the crowd was palpable. Secular religion at its strongest! Stirring! Unforgettable! It was like a Roman general returning to Rome after a victorious military campaign, awarded a triumphal march down the Appian Way to the centre of the city. Hail Wally!
What a wonderful experience it must have been Ian. Wally had that touch of genius that was indescribable.and he was genuinely tough, something he never got enough credit for. My friends from NSW always thought Brett Kenny was a better player but Wally just did special things when the team needs it. The sight of those ‘Wallys” in the crowd last week was brilliant.