Queensland Spirit

The Maroons Prevail in an Origin Classic

F. A. Loxton

AS IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO, THE GREATEST SPORTING CONTEST IN THE COUNTRY DELIVERED. The final quarter of the 2023 State of Origin game saw several tries and lead changes, a questionable sin bin, a prop outjumping a fullback under the highball, all combining to make the match a classic Origin fixture. And being a classic Origin, the Maroons somehow prevailed in what has been labelled “not a state,” but a “state of mind.”

With heroes throughout the Queensland side, from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who scored a double at centre, to player of the match Reuben Cotter, who provided consistent go-forward at prop, Queensland proved far more determined under the wisdom of Billy Slater in just his second series as coach. In comparison, Brad Fittler selected the far better side on paper, but question marks remain with the side, and his coaching job considered the Blues have managed to lose two of the last three series as favourites. Further, Blues Captain James Tedesco continues to struggle at both the Club and now Origin level, missing several crucial tackles to allow the Maroons the chance to steal the game.

Whilst Latrell Mitchell’s return will likely help their backline struggles, the Blues await a trip to Brisbane one down, in what will prompt Brad Fittler to be more decisive with his selections.

Phil Gould broke down the result saying, “Queensland just played the perfect brand of Origin football. Hard-working forwards. Confident and creative halves. And speed… Queensland defended better when they had to. They attacked better when they had to.”

Looking at the stats, it is hard to believe NSW didn’t win, dominating both possession and territory. And, scoring just three tries, two of them scrappy breakaways, it is clear a mindset shift is needed in order to head into the clash at Suncorp. Generating further debate, Nathan Cleary’s game management was questionable, especially considering they played 12 men in the final minutes after a head-on-head collision saw Thomas Flegler sent off. More concerning, perhaps, is that Queensland had two centres playing on the wing, and both Ben Hunt and Reuben Cotter playing in the centres.

In a game that saw Tevita Pangai-Junior, Hudson Young and Nicho Hynes debut, Brad Fittler seemed apprehensive with his selections after Liam Martin dominated, resulting in Hudson Young only playing 31 minutes of the game. Nicho Hynes also only appeared when Tom Trbojevic was sent off for an HIA, and his defence at centre was flawed, which saw Cameron Munster set up Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to take the lead. 

For now, many answers rest on the shoulders of Brad Fittler, with fans calling for captain James Tedesco and Nathan Cleary to be sacked. There have also been calls for Haumole Olakau’atu to replace Young at second row, who has been in career-best form for Manly.

For now, another challenge awaits the Blues, a must-win fixture at Suncorp Stadium, which will see a decider in Sydney if Queensland are to lose.