New South Wales clamoured off the canvas to win the final round of the 2023 State of Origin, denying Queensland a clean sweep of the series.
With a resounding 24-10 win before a crowd of 75,342 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, the Blues’ consolation victory may save Brad Fittler’s job as coach and James Tedesco’s as captain.
Fittler’s selections and Tedesco’s revival were pivotal. With a South Sydney spine selected to replace the Penrith one used in the first two games, NSW’s attack spluttered into life and found fluidity. Finally, under the magic hands of Cody Walker and a blistering debut by Knights centre Bradman Best, the Blues iced their chances and overwhelmed the opposition.
Last year’s game three at Suncorp was a decider that began with three players concussed in three minutes and all-in brawls after each. This dead rubber’s early stages were a tea party in comparison, each side advancing, probing, then retreating. But despite early penalties, Queensland crossed first in the 14th minute when Munster’s left foot lobbed a kick that beat Brian To’o in the air and allowed David Fifita to crash over for his first try in eight Origins.
The Blues hit back six minutes later, going left at speed where an Addo-Carr surge ‘n’ step almost got the Blues over in the left corner. Undeterred, they swept right as Mitchell Moses found debutant Keaon Koloamatangi who tapped it on to Brian To’o who had just thrown his headgear to the sideline and quickly speared into the corner for 6-4, which became 6-all when heavy contact on the kicker won the Blues a penalty goal.
Walker’s low hands and line speed was creating panic. Three Maroons converged on him in the 21st minute but Walker’s witchery got the pass away to Best who spat the pip to Addo-Carr at full tilt. From halfway the Foxx put on the rocket launchers then, 20 metres out and without breaking stride, launched a beautifully kick he chased and retrieved for 10-6.
Three minutes later, the South Sydney spine sparked a third Blues try. Cameron Murray bent the line and half broke through. Rapid ruck-speed saw Damien Cook find his club wingman Walker deep in the line. He surged and held the pass a split second longer than the Maroons expected before popping it into Best’s belly button who crossed again for a 10-point lead.
Outgunned by Walker, Munster dribbled a restart the requisite 10 metres and regathered. Frantic attack followed, which twice fell just inches short. But Queensland finally got it right just before half-time as Harry Grant and Daly Cherry-Evans swept downfield. On their hammer was Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who got inside To-o then won it back to bring the margin back to six points, then eight when Crichton slotted a crucial penalty on the siren.
At half-time three Rabbitohs – Murray, Koloamatangi and Cook – had 50 tackles between them, the Blues had made four line breaks to one and Queensland had missed 13 tackles to NSW’s six. But possession was 51-49 in the Blues favour and the game was still firmly in the balance.
Chasing a first clean sweep in 13 years, Queensland blazed away but NSW hung on grimly. Finally, they found the “one percenters” the Maroons have made their specialty. Tedesco got a diving ankle tap on a Queensland raid. Crichton tagged Grant in the ruck to force a turnover. Then Reece Robson did the same to Ben Hunt. The crowd swelled behind the effort and the men in blue rode it home, foiling every Maroons attack and replying with their own.
Ultimately, NSW would not be denied. Under-siege skipper Tedesco, whose rattled showings in games one and two had symbolised the Blues slide, represented the Blues’ redemption here. He was safe in the air, desperate in defence and never stopped trying. On the 65 minute mark he sliced through and found Best on his elbow again who scored under the posts for 24-10.
Penrith Coach Ivan Cleary was a notable presence in the NSW coaching box. Technical advisor or heir apparent? Neither, he told the Guardian: “Emotional support.” For NSW the series was lost but a crucial victory obtained. Cody Walker man of the match and Fittler’s men tasted the elation of victory but the joy for NSW emptied as quickly as the stadium as the Origin shield went north to Queensland again, safe for another year.
