Origin II: Congratulations Queensland

Origin II: Congratulations Queensland

[RUGBY LEAGUE] Origin II: Congratulations Queensland

The hoodoo is broken and so are the hearts of just about every New South Welshman and New South Welshwoman, as the mighty Maroons claimed their second straight State of Origin Series with a 10-6 victory in Game II at Telstra Stadium.

A crowd of 76,924 wasn't treated to an overly entertaining game of rugby league but it was gripping - a characteristic that State of Origin has owned on the sporting arena since 1980. One radio station covering the post-game was merciless on referee Shayne Hayne, while the other praised the Queenslanders for simply being too good defensively on the night. As for the television coverage it was excellent as always but with the game itself failing to excite - my own devotion to every play was only revived in the final ten minutes. That doesn't mean I didn't pay attention for the other 70 minutes but some games keep you pinned to the edge of your seat... and this was not one of those games until (as a New South Welshman) the final ten minutes.

I have no doubt the classier side won the game, but NSW had three players who can hold their heads very high this morning. Halfback Brett Kimmorley, forward Willie Mason and hooker Danny Buderus put in all they physically could to get NSW the win, but in true Origin fashion their efforts could not overcome the class of arguably the three best players in the game today - all of which play in crucial positions for the Queenslanders. Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and that man again - Darren Lockyer kept their troops focused on the job at hand and when the big play was needed it was Thurston who provided it (albeit from a blatant forward pass in the lead up) and that proved enough to secure back to back series victories for the Maroons.

Game III shifts back to Suncorp Stadium and it will take an amazing performance by the 17 men NSW select for the match to avoid a series clean sweep.

GAME II RESULT:

QUEENSLAND 10

Tries: G Inglis (21st minute), S Bell (64th minute)

Goals: J Thurston 1 from 2 attempts

Defeated

NEW SOUTH WALES 6

Tries: B Stewart (9th minute)

Goals: J Lyon 1 from 1 attempt.

At Telstra Stadium, Sydney.

QUEENSLAND take 2-0 Series lead and win the 2007 title.