New South Wales recorded one of their greatest State of Origin victories, defeating Queensland 14-4 in the series final to claim the 2024 Shield. It was only the third time in 44 years that the Blues had won a decisive game in Brisbane.
Amid the titanic encounter, the 52,457 spectators at the venue and millions more watching at home had to wait more than an hour to watch the first try of the match. The game, however, brought the physicality that the series is famous for. The first half was marked by collisions, with players on both sides putting their bodies at risk and an all-out brawl that resulted in two players being sent off. But New South Wales slowly overcame the brave Queenslanders and finally broke the game open in the final 15 minutes.
After winning the Shield in his first Origin series, NSW coach Michael Maguire said it was an “incredible” and “very special” moment to share the victory with his players. “I think it was probably one of the best defensive performances by Queensland that they didn’t score, or if they didn’t.”
The breakthrough came from center Bradman Best, who added a first-time try from Gagai after blocking Dane Gagai and carrying Kalyn Ponga over the line. Jarome Luai’s breakthrough cross. The Blues man – in his second game with Origin and Latrell Mitchell’s final call-up – stood up after the goal, mouth open in triumph He screamed, blood spurting from the wound on his mouth.
Despite the nature of the game where NSW was under constant pressure with no reward, Best said he was never worried. “We knew what we had to do, we just had to apply the pressure. We did that and came away with the win.
The victory upended years of Maroons dominance in the decider and was only the Blues’ sixth win in 23 games. Their record at Lang Park was even more dismal, with Wednesday’s victory their first since 2005. First win in the tiebreaker.
However, it would be unfair for one side to end the match as the loser. If the Blues produced a near-flawless first half of Origin football in Game 2, both teams emerged victorious in the decider.
Queensland head coach Billy Slater said he would not be disappointed after the hard work put in by his players.
Val Holmes’ penalty at the final whistle was the only score in the first 40 minutes of a game that was marked by explosive collisions, desperate defending and even an all-out brawl between Jeremiah Nanai and Cardiff. Murray was sent off, who was sent off from his position on the field. Reserve Blues player Haumole Olakau’atu rushed into the flames wearing a blue tux and trousers and was kicked off the pitch.
The clash was sparked when Luai and Queensland captain Darley Cherry-Evans stood face to face following an argument. After the game, Cherry Evans said he was “very proud of the way no one hesitated to go in there” and that he felt the love and support from his teammates. But he also believes Murray should have been sent off, not just sent off. “I know very well that hats are not acceptable at any level of football,” the centre-back said.
Maroons five-eighth Tom Dearden was outstanding in the first half. He tackled Liam Martin low on the line to move the ball away, and moments later blocked Zach Lomax when the Blues winger looked certain to score. In the middle of the half, he used a dummy to complete the cleanest breakthrough in this quarter, but there was no support.
Lindsay Collins, who played alongside Dearden, skated to defend a dangerous ball inside the goal late in the first half. His effort was typical of the Maroons’ heroics in the first half, especially from the forwards. The Blues had 57% of the ball and dominated the field, but the home side kept the intruders at bay.
New South Wales continued the second half and were soon camped out in Malone territory. An unusual decision to shoot from the penalty spot from the touchline – with Lomax then knocking it over – highlighted the slim advantage in an eye-catching game.
The score was 2-2, and the tug-of-war continued again. Ponga finally came on the scene with half an hour remaining, bringing the Suncorp faithful to their feet. But they initially denied seeing Ponga combine with defender Rhys Walsh. First it was Ben Hunt, then Grant who went the other way in the attacking half and then NSW got back a lost player. Finally, just when the Maroons looked like they were about to unleash their two-man power from a set piece, Reece Robson converted a penalty to make it 4-2.
But then the Blues made no headway with their first try of the game, with Lomax firing in from the sideline to make it 8-4. With 14 minutes remaining, the pinnacle of rugby league – the Blues’ Origin final win at Long Park – was within reach.
Mitchell Moses, who withdrew from the game with a serious bicep injury, secured the result with a solo try moments later. After receiving the ball from Connor Watson, he stepped inside Grant and rounded Walsh to cross, and the team rushed to celebrate in front of the blue team. Bay in large maroon pot. Queensland’s desperate move of the ball in the final seconds looked dangerous, but the Blues held on to secure one of Origin’s most famous wins.
Blues back-rower Angus Crichton was awarded the Wally Lewis Player of the Series medal. It marks a memorable return to form for a player who recently suffered from bipolar disorder and was at reserve level at the start of the year. “I think it just goes to show that you can face some adversity in life,” Maguire said. “But he’s a great example of a player being able to get back to where he was and rebuild, and that’s a real credit to him.”
