NSW end 19-year Suncorp Stadium hoodoo to win 2024 Origin in ‘absolute classic’
NSW have ended a 19-year hoodoo, defeating Queensland in an Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium for the first time since 2005.
In one of the greatest modern Origin matches, Queensland led 2-0 at half time before the match opened up in the second half with Bradman Best and Mitchell Moses scoring to seal a 14-4 victory.
“What a performance by this NSW team … it’s been an incredible effort by the players and coaching staff, Michael Maguire take a bow,” Blues great Andrew Johns said on Nine’s coverage.
“… this has been an absolute classic, it doesn’t get any better … we’ll talk about this game for a long time in the future.”
Both sides engaged in 30 minutes of warfare during the first half, unable to break the deadlock.
The match went into chaos 10 minutes before the break with Daly Cherry Evans and Jarome Luai starting a melee. Jeremiah Nanai was sin binned for his role as third man in while Cameron Murray was given the same punishment for getting involved from the bench.
Queensland finally were first on the board through a penalty goal right on half time to lead 2-0.
The Blues drew level in the 45th minute with a Lomax penalty goal from the sideline.
It became 4-2 in Queensland’s favour when Holmes slotted another penalty goal in the 61st minute.
The game then opened up when Bradman Best scored moments later after a Jarome Luai dummy broke the Maroons line and helped set up the centre.
“I can’t believe what I’m watching, this is as good as it gets, the pinnacle of rugby league,” Johns said after the try.
Mitchell Moses then scored three minutes later to make it 14-4.
The Blues halfback left the field with a bicep injury moments before full time but Queensland couldn’t find a try to set up a grandtand finish in his absence, as the Blues celebrated their historic victory.