Queensland Maroons 26 (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2, Selwyn Cobbo 2, Cameron Munster tries; Valentine Holmes 3/5 goals) def. New South Wales 18
1-0
Queensland pulled off another sensational effort to take the series opener in Adelaide. With Flegler in the sin-bin and three players off the field with injury it appeared New South Wales were on the verge of victory. However off the goal-line restart, Queensland secured possession and had the Blues on the back-foot.
Cameron Munster identified a weakness down the Blues left edge and targeted it. Munster was able to bump off a tackle, drew the winger and gave Hammer just enough time and space to weave his magic down the sideline. Hammer was able to evade the grasp of the fastest man on the planet before snapping Tedesco's ankles to score the most important try of his young career.
Up until that point it had been a valiant effort by the Maroons, but errors at key times had prevented them from going on with it. NSW controlled possession and territory throughout the majority of the contest and would have had the lead had it not been for Murray Taulagi who announced himself with two of the best try-savers you'll see.
When Queensland had attacking opportunities, they used the football more positively than their counter-parts. There was more creativity and variation to their play and they weren't afraid to roll the dice. This was evident when debutant Reece Walsh threw a no-look pass to Cobbo despite the presence of Stephen Crichton who famously won the 2021 Grand Final off the back of the intercept. Walsh nailed the pass and Cobbo did incredibly well to bump off two defenders and keep his body in the field of play.
It was a special play, but the Maroons only had the opportunity due to Reuben Cotter who was in everything. Once again, Cotter found himself parked on an edge and he just did his best. He topped the tackle count, competed on a number of loose passes and made some tough carries to give his playmakers the time and space.
He certainly wasn't alone and every player came up with an important contribution. In a game that had several moments whether it be Hamiso and Walsh doing the shark post-try celebration in tandem or Gilbert turning maroon as he defended his skipper, my pick would have to the Lindsay Collins aerial contest. Despite handing the ball off, the Maroons recognised how important that contribution was and they all got around the big fella.
The series is far from over but that was a great a finish as you'll see.
