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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Angus Fontaine at Accor Stadium

NSW conjure comeback for the ages to snatch Origin game one from Queensland

Nathan CLeary celebrates scoring a try
Nathan Cleary lifted the NSW Blues to a stunning win from behind against the Queensland Maroons in game one of men’s State of Origin. Photograph: Mark Evans/AAP

New South Wales have conjured one of the greatest State of Origin comebacks, fighting back from 20-0 down to snatch a 22-20 victory with a minute on the clock. Nathan Cleary was the hero for the home side, scoring a crucial try and kicking three clutch goals to put the Blues one-nil up in their quest to win back the Origin Shield.

Despite claiming underdog status, Billy Slater’s Queensland side came out swinging and scored three converted tries in the first 20 minutes until Cleary, who many critics claim has never mastered the Origin format, steadied the ship and swung the momentum back to the Blues in front of 79,186 delirious fans at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

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