New South Wales 38 def. Queensland 18 (Jeremiah Nanai, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi tries; Valentine Holmes 3/3 goals)
1-1
The Maroons were blown completely blown off the park as the Blues laid on 34 points in a scintellating half of football.
From a Maroons perspective, the signs were there early. Hunt's service out of dummy half was clunky and the kicking game from both him and Cherry-Evans failed to apply any pressure. Meanwhile Moses had the ball on a string by comparison and the Blues were able to earn that early ascendency.
Once Martin burst through that gap between Dearden and Su'A you got the sense it was going to be a long night.
As expected possession swung at half-time, but the Blues were always in firm control. It appeared they valued big hits moreso than scoring points and they were able to coast on their 34 point lead to finish with that scoreline.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in the wash-up. The Maroons were out-played in every facet and the only time they looked likely was when they played towards or off the back of the Hammer. Walsh by comparison looked very rusty and struggled to get himself into the game.
I'd expect to see some calls for Fifita but will it stop there?
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