Reasonable game by the poor standards we've seen in recent years, as NSW didn't completely implode and Qld played well for about 20 minutes instead of the usual 10 it takes them to overtake the collapsing Blues after doing nothing all game.
Ferguson and Fifita great on debut, Maloney looked steady for a NSW half. Bird, Lewis, Morris, Hayne and Farah all looked good for NSW as they always do, no matter their club form. Pearce did as much as Reynolds, and Reynolds selection proven to be a disaster, as NSW predictably didn't need him, and did need another big unit at the end.
LOL at Souths fans hurt over Sutton and Merrit rightly not being selected. NSW should not have picked a half as an "injury cover" utility, true, but picking Sutton would also be doing just that.
Sure, he is big and played well at lock last week in a game stretched for depth with missing players, but he is hardly a hit up machine, tackling forward that would thrive in a tough position in Origin.
Pick him over Pearce? Sure. On the bench? Stupid, as stupid as Reynolds' selection. If Farah was injured, the team would have to shift Pearce/Maloney to dummy half in attack, and Lewis/Bird to 5/8. Plenty of options.
And Merrit shouldn't be near an Origin game, seriously. Only Souths fans seem to think he is any better than a good, solid first grader (though plenty worse than that have played for NSW, they shouldn't).
Thaiday and Harrison I thought played tough as always (Thaiday helped Qld get back in it with damaging runs, Harrison tackled everything near him), rest of Qld pack very much outplayed, particularly Smith, who looked tired at Origin for once (just like he has at club level).
Thurston was obviously hurt and still in a few minutes showed more than Pearce has in every game he's ever played. But DCE may need to come in if Thurston can't show some club form. I can't see Slater getting dropped, but maybe Inglis should shift to fullback for kick returns, as Slater is getting smashed by NSW in recent years.
LOL also at crying QLDers over Gallen (and BunniesMan also, joining in with his/her blatant attempt to promote Sam Burgess even in Origin, by putting down Fifita and Gallen, both of whom have clearly outplayed Burgess in Sharks/Souths clashes). We just need Fourex tears and you know you're having a sook when BM and Fourex agree with you!
Gallen's tackle was worth a penalty and on report, and both happened. Plenty of worse get missed in Origin, but that result was fair. Those calling for a send off must not have actually watched rugby league, since suplex moves and spear tackles, kicks, head butts and trips don't get sent off at NRL level anymore, let alone Origin matches.
The "fight" was an even contest, Myles went for Gallen, shaped up for it, and got beaten on the draw. Gallen punched him for about half a second before players stopped it, and Myles was ready and fighting back but also held by then. No one was hurt as they are tough and both were ready. No further action needed to be taken because we don't watch footy for their ballet moves and both players were the original combatants, both were up for it, and it lasted 2 seconds. You don't sin bin for foul play, and Gallen wasn't third man in.
Queensland even have had their game plan before matches in the past to start a fight, with plans on how to do it and when. Its Origin, its part of the history and the game, as long as its man on man and a fair fight.
If you're still crying over that, learn the rules, learn your rugby league and Origin history, and stop hoping you win because you play a 12 man side, and start hoping you can outplay the opposition 13 on 13.
