NSW have beaten a disjointed Queensland side, a fiercely vocal Maroons-mad Suncorp crowd and, most importantly, the odds, to win the 2026 State of Origin series in a stunning Brisbane decider.
Led by iceman halfback Nathan Cleary, the Blues shook off their underdog tag to record their 30-12 win in a decider at a stadium once considered Queensland’s fortress.
Cleary, under pressure after Game 2, crossed the line twice in the first half in a dominant Blues onslaught that silenced the sell-out crowd of 52,452 for the first 40 minutes.
In comparison, his opposite number, Sam Walker had possibly his most disjointed performance in the Queensland jersey since being brought in this series to replace injured Cowboys half Tom Dearden.
Walker appeared less confident with the ball in play and it reflected with the boot as the normally accurate Roosters sharpshooter missed all three of his side’s try conversions.
The daring plays that secured a stunning MCG victory in Game 2 largely came unstuck for the Maroons, who went into the sheds 18-4 at half time as veteran fullback James Tedesco was escorted from the field after a fierce head clash with Maroons second rower Briton Nikora.
Nikora was placed on report for high contact in the ensuing scuffle, the full house not impressed when referee Ashley Klein awarded a penalty to the visitors.
“Well he’s pretty excited but he knows he’s got a big job because they’ll look to target him,” NSW coach Laurie Daley said when asked what he said to Koula.
The Maroons were then forced into a second-half change of their own, Reece Walsh injected when halfback Sam Walker was also sent for a HIA after slipping into teammate Robert Toia.
It appeared the reshuffles and the re-introduction of Walsh finally woke up the clunky home side with tries to Selwyn Cobbo and Jojo Fifita.
However, a length of the field try from NSW centre Bradman Best and a late penalty goal to Cleary 10 minutes from fulltime appeared to put the result beyond doubt for a Blues side that few gave a chance after Game 2.
The injection of Best and Cleary’s ferocious Panthers teammate Liam Martin proved the difference for the visitors as the home side appeared shellshocked and error prone.
The result is a major confidence boost for NSW coach Laurie Daley who faced a torrent of criticism after an unconvincing Game 1 victory and Queensland’s overwhelming 44-24 Game 2 win.
It also marks only the Blues’ fourth victory in a decider at Suncorp Stadium from 14 attempts, and their first time winning consecutive deciders at the venue following their 2024 triumph.
