New South Wales scored the most first-half points in State of Origin history in an absolute bloodbath opening 40 minutes in front of 90,084 people at the MCG.
It was sheer dominance from the men in blue as everything they touched turned to gold in the most dominant half ever produced by a NSW side.
Blues halfback Mitchell Moses delivered his best Origin performance while Latrell Mitchell returned in style and winger Zac Lomax bagged 18 points in the record-breaking win.
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The GREATEST HALF EVER by a SOO #7? | 01:13
1. DYLAN EDWARDS – 8.5
Strong first two carries, wound up and took on the line fearlessly. Great tackle on Jaydn Su’a ealy as the last line of defence. Edwards put Latrell Mitchell over for the Blues’ fifth try in the first half. He put down a bomb early in the second half but made up for it with a try of his own in the 62nd minute. Finished with 176 run metres, eight tackle busts and two linebreaks.
2. BRIAN TO’O – 8
Tackled Reece Walsh in the in-goal to force a repeat set early and then scored the Blues second and fourth tries. Finished with 158 metres and six tackle busts.
3. LATRELL MITCHELL – 8
Set up the Blues’ second try with a flick pass for Brian To’o to cross in the corner and then scored his side’s fifth. Was part of the NSW left edge that dominated all night. Mitchell was lucky to stay on the field for a high shot on Xavier Coates early in the second half and later manhandled Reece Walsh. A big presence all night.
4. STEPHEN CRICHTON – 8.5
Ran over the top of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in one of his first carries but then forced an offload that wasn’t on and turned the ball over. Dragged the Hammer into the in-goal with a clever play in the first half that led to the second try. Just when Queensland finally looked like scoring he took an intercept and raced 80 metres down field which led to an incredible sixth try in the first half, which he set up for Zac Lomax. Gave away some silly penalties for illegal tackles in the second half but finished with 121 metres from just four carries.
5. ZAC LOMAX – 9
Got driven backwards on his first few carries but well and truly had the last laugh. Scored the Blues’ third try after leaping above Murray Taulagi then had the presence of mind to put his foot on the line on a kick-off to force the penalty on halfway. Lomax scored again on the stroke of halftime after backing up Stephen Crichton. Slotted four sideline conversions and finished with 18 points.
BRUTAL hits spark WILD all in brawls | 01:57
6. JAROME LUAI – 7
Did lots of dancing but was outshone by his halves partner.
7. MITCHELL MOSES – 10
The performance of his life. Man of the match thanks to a kicking masterclass. Moses put Liam Martin over for the first try of the match and then set up the third and fourth tries with pinpoint kicks. Queensland finally got inside the Blues’ half in the 30th minute only for Moses to jam Tom Dearden and force the turnover – and he did the exact same thing again early in the second half as he picked up where he left off. Finished with four try assists.
8. JAKE TRBOJEVIC – 7
Relatively quiet knock from the skipper. Finished with 72 metres from 10 carries and made 16 tackles without a miss.
9. REECE ROBSON – 7.5
Tackled all night and stayed busy without being a standout.
10. PAYNE HAAS – 9
Ran with venom all night. Had a game-leading 110 metres by halftime and finished with 158 from 19 carries. Topped the tackle count after making 31 without missing one. Answered his critics after his Origin performances came under plenty of scrutiny.
Moses takes out player of the match! | 01:38
11. LIAM MARTIN – 8
Scored the opening try after running a hard line and then stepping inside at the last second to beat Tom Dearden. Copped one of the softest sin bins in Origin history when he was marched for rubbing an opponent’s head then came back on and was put on report for a high shot on Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans. Conceded four penalties.
12. ANGUS CRICHTON – 10
The best game of his decorated career. Crichton was absolutely everywhere in defence and attack. The Blues’ left edge was immense and Crichton was at the centre of their dominance. After a strong start he simply kept going all night and only finished behind Payne Haas in run metres from the forwards, with 131 run metres, five tackle busts, two offloads and made 20 tackles. Even Crichton’s kick chase was impressive and he made 20 tackles.
13. CAMERON MURRAY – 9
Just his second game back after a long layoff but didn’t miss a beat. Murray’s trademark quick play-the-ball kept NSW on the front foot. Finished 103 metres from 15 carries and made 29 tackles, missing just one.
14. CONNOR WATSON – 7
Limited minutes after coming on with the game already decided, but did his job.
15. ISAAH YEO – 8
Same old reliable performance we’ve come to expect from the Panthers skipper. Came off the bench and finished with 90 metres and 20 tackles.
16. HAUMOLE OLAKAU’ATU – 6
Limited minutes and struggled to leave his mark on the game
17. SPENCER LENIU – 8.5
Made an immediate impact when he came on and beat both Rueben Cotter and Harry Grant in a tearaway run down field in the first half. A real game breaker. Finished with 73 metres from six carries and made 11 tackles.
Source Agencies
