Blues Blitz Maroons in Origin Opener!
Wow, what a night at Suncorp Stadium! The NSW Blues absolutely dominated the Queensland Maroons in Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series. I’ve been covering Origin for years, and honestly, that first half was one of the most one-sided I’ve seen in a long time. The final score: NSW 18, QLD 6. Let's dive into the key moments.
Early Blues Dominance
From the kickoff, the Blues were relentless. Their attack was sharp, their defence was impenetrable, and the Maroons just couldn't handle the pressure. Zac Lomax scored two tries, Brian To'o bagged one, and the Blues were up by a comfortable margin before halftime.
- Early Tries: Lomax’s first try was a thing of beauty – a slick movement down the right flank ending with a fantastic finish.
- To'o's Score: To'o’s try was equally impressive, showcasing the Blues' power and precision.
- Clear Domination: By halftime, the Blues were up 14-0 – a testament to their strength and the Maroons’ struggles.
Nathan Cleary's kicking, however, was a bit off – he missed a couple of conversions, which, honestly, was a bit surprising. Even with those misses, the scoreboard told the story.
Controversial Sin-Bin
Then came the controversy. Near the end of the first half, Brian To'o was sin-binned for a high tackle on Xavier Coates. Replays were a bit fuzzy, and the decision sparked a heated debate among commentators and fans alike. Phil Gould, in particular, called the ruling "ridiculous," and many fans online agreed.
“I thought he was a little hard done by,” Maroons great Darren Lockyer said. While the sin-bin gave Queensland a lifeline, it didn't change the overall game narrative.
Maroons Fight Back (Sort Of)
Despite the setback, Queensland managed to score a try in the second half thanks to Xavier Coates, but by then, the Blues were too far ahead. The Maroons showed some grit and determination, but it was just not enough to overcome the Blues’ early dominance.
Leniu's Heated Entry
Spencer Leniu's arrival onto the field created another layer of drama. The Courier Mail's back-page headline, "Smash this Blues grub," set the stage for his confrontation with Queensland's fans and even a past verbal sparring match with Johnathan Thurston. His obvious displeasure at Queensland's kicking strategy further fueled the tensions.
Final Thoughts
The Blues showed they're serious contenders for a series whitewash. They played a masterful game, showcasing both attacking prowess and ironclad defence. While the To'o sin-bin incident created some controversy, it didn't ultimately affect the outcome. Game 2 in Perth will be critical for Queensland to turn things around; otherwise, the Blues are looking mighty strong.
Stay tuned to Zero Tackle for continuing updates and analysis!
